Having a quick temper, I have made it a habit all my life never to carry a gun--because they go off so easily.

But one most essential part of a gentleman's education had been mine, so I applied it instantly on George, with the result that a well-directed blow under the peak of the jaw sent him sprawling, and for awhile speechless, in the cockpit.
"No gasolene ?" I said.
And then my passenger--I must give him credit for the courage--put up his head for'ard, and called out: "I protest against that; it's a cowardly outrage.

You wouldn't dare to do it to a white man." "O I see," I rejoined.

"So _you_ are the author of this precious paper here, are you?
Come over here and talk it over, if you've the courage." "I've got the courage," he answered, in a shaking voice.
"All right," I said; "you're safe for the present--and, George, who is so fond of sleep, will take quite a nap for a while, I think." "You English brute!" he said.
"You English brute!" he had said; and the words had impelled me to invite him aft; for I cannot deny a certain admiration for him that had mysteriously grown up in me.

It can only have been the admiration we all have for courage; for, certainly I cannot have suggested that he had any other form of attractiveness.
"Come here!" I said, "for your life is safe for the time being.