"Now listen, you brainless meddler.

Joe Kirby knows exactly what he is doing when he plays any game.

I had nothing to do with Beaucaire's death, but those stakes are mine.

I hold them, and I will kill any man who dares to interfere with me." "You mean you refuse to return any of this property ?" "Every cent, every nigger, every acre--that's my business.

Beaucaire was no child; he knew what he was betting, and he lost." "But," I insisted almost hopelessly, "perhaps you do not wholly understand this matter--the entire situation.