"Maggie's going away and you can't stop her.

D'you think her father is going to let her stay down here any longer, where you can spout your preaching at her!--and you all the time a stool and a squealer!" "What's that ?" cried Larry.
"I called you a stool!" repeated the malignantly exultant Barney, alert for any move on the part of the suddenly tensed Larry.

"And you are a stool! Didn't I see you myself go into Headquarters with Casey and Gavegan where you sold yourself to Chief Barlow!" "Why, you damned--" Even before he spoke Larry launched a furious swing straight from the hip at Barney's twisted face.

But Barney had been expecting exactly that, and was even the quicker.

He caught Larry's wrist before it was fairly started, and thrust a dull-hued automatic into Larry's stomach.
"Behave; damn you," gritted Barney, "or I'll blow your damned guts out! No--go ahead and try to hit me.