The gaze of Ba'tiste Renaud was strained as he asked the question, his manner tense, excited.

Through sheer determination, Barry forced a smile and pulled himself back to at least a semblance of composure.
"Maybe you know the reason already--through Thayer.

But if you don't--Ba'tiste, how much of it do you mean when you say you are a man's friend ?" "Ba'teese may joke," came quietly, "but Ba'teese no lie.

You look like my Pierre--you help where it has been lonesome.

You are my frien'." "Then I know you are not going to ask me for something that hurts in telling.