His state of terror was pitiable, and the more so because he had a fear of betraying it, which was to some extent the most cruel fear of all.

Sidney Meeks was probably the only person in East Westland who understood how it was with him, and he kept his knowledge to himself.

Sidney was astute on a diagnosis of his fellow-men's mentalities, and he had an almost womanly compassion even for those weaknesses of which he himself was incapable.
"Good; I'll keep what you have in your till every night for you, and welcome, Albion," he had said.

"I understand how you feel, living in the hotel the way you do." "Nobody knows who is coming and going," said Albion, blinking violently.
"Of course one doesn't, and nobody would dream of coming to my house.
Everybody knows I am as poor as Job's off ox.

You might get a revolver, but I wouldn't recommend it.