It was as naught to them that she testified to the outrageous illegality of the Appleboys' territorial ambitions, the irascibility of the wife, the violent threats of the husband; or that Mrs. Appleboy had been observed to mail a suspicious letter shortly before the date of the canine assault.

Making an effort toward some determination which a subtle observer might have noticed weighing upon him all the evening, he added: "And, apropos of the past" "Hein?" interrogated the old lady, impatiently, still under the influence of her irascibility about the mushrooms.

" "I must confess I fail to get your point of view," said Mr. Dill, with just a hint of irascibility in his voice.