I am in earnest now and I want you to help me.

You said that no one on earth could resist John Burkett Ryder, that no one could fight against the Money Power.
Well, do you know what I am going to do ?" There was a quiver in her voice and her nostrils were dilated like those of a thoroughbred eager to run the race.

She had risen from her seat and stood facing him, her fists clenched, her face set and determined.

Stott had never seen her in this mood and he gazed at her half admiringly, half curiously.
"What will you do ?" he asked with a slightly ironical inflection in his voice.
"I am going to fight John Burkett Ryder!" she cried.
Stott looked at her open-mouthed.
"You ?" he said.
"Yes, I," said Shirley.

"I'm going to him and I intend to get those letters if he has them." Stott shook his head.
[Photo, from the play, of Shirley discussing her book with Mr.Ryder] "How do you classify him ?" "As the greatest criminal the world has ever produced."-- Act III.
"My dear child," he said, "what are you talking about?
How can you expect to reach Ryder?
We couldn't." "I don't know just how yet," replied Shirley, "but I'm going to try.