"But thus far you have failed to tell me anything strikingly new.

Am I to understand you have some particular object in this exchange of amenities ?" "Most assuredly.

It is to ask if such a person as you practically confess yourself to be--homeless, associating only with the most despicable and vicious characters, and leading so uncertain and disreputable a life--can be fit to assume charge of a girl, almost a woman, and mould her future ?" For a long, breathless moment Hampton stared incredulously at his questioner, crushing his cigar between his teeth.

Twice he started to speak, but literally choked back the bitter words burning his lips, while an uncontrollable admiration for the other's boldness began to overcome his first fierce anger.
"By God!" he exclaimed at last, rising to his feet and pointing toward the door.

"I have shot men for less.