And that was all.
Ossipon after waiting for something, word or sign, that did not come, made an effort to assume a sort of indifference.
"Do you," he said, deadening his voice still more, "give your stuff to anybody who's up to asking you for it ?" "My absolute rule is never to refuse anybody--as long as I have a pinch by me," answered the little man with decision.
"That's a principle ?" commented Ossipon.
"It's a principle." "And you think it's sound ?" The large round spectacles, which gave a look of staring self-confidence to the sallow face, confronted Ossipon like sleepless, unwinking orbs flashing a cold fire.
"Perfectly.

Always.

Under every circumstance.

What could stop me?
Why should I not?
Why should I think twice about it ?" Ossipon gasped, as it were, discreetly.
"Do you mean to say you would hand it over to a 'teck' if one came to ask you for your wares ?" The other smiled faintly.
"Let them come and try it on, and you will see," he said.

"They know me, but I know also every one of them.