I'm not so damned bad, young feller.

It's just the business I'm in--and the company." King felt a thrill of real regard for the rascal.

He nodded his thanks and tried to smile.

The fellow grinned and slapped him on the shoulder, unobserved by the others.

In another moment his guardianship was transferred; he was being hurried across the cellar toward an open doorway.