I could not help the shudder.

Why, the fellow would make a sieve out of me! "Will you look at my passports now ?" I asked.

"You may not have the opportunity again." "Your passports from now on will be void," was the retort.

"But I shall be pleased to give you a passport to the devil.

I shall kill you," complacently.
"Think of my family," said I, a strange humor taking possession of me.
"You should have thought of your family before you struck me that blow," he replied.
My laughter was genuine; even Gretchen smuggled a smile.