I have been laboring on this field for nearly three years.
When I first came here you were pointed out to me as a most dangerous man, and ever since then I have constantly been regaled by the stories of your exploits.

I have known you merely through such unfriendly reports, and came here strongly prejudiced against you as a representative of every evil I war against.

We have never met before, because there seemed to be nothing in common between us; because I had been led to suppose you to be an entirely different man from what I now believe you are." Hampton stirred uneasily in his chair.
"Shall I paint in exceedingly plain words the picture given me of you ?" There was no response, but the speaker moistened his lips and proceeded firmly.

"It was that of a professional gambler, utterly devoid of mercy toward his victims; a reckless fighter, who shot to kill upon the least provocation; a man without moral character, and from whom any good action was impossible.

That was what was said about you.