I tell it you cynically, for you cannot profit by the knowledge; and, if the worst come to the worst, I have good hopes of recovering my own and of ruining you.' 'You do what you please,' answered Romaine; 'but I give it you for a piece of good advice, you had best do nothing in the matter.

You will only make yourself ridiculous; you will only squander money, of which you have none too much, and reap public mortification.' 'Ah, but there you make the common mistake, Mr.Romaine!' returned Alain.
'You despise your adversary.

Consider, if you please, how very disagreeable I could make myself, if I chose.

Consider the position of your _protege_--an escaped prisoner! But I play a great game.

I condemn such petty opportunities.' At this Romaine and I exchanged a glance of triumph.