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I am sorry, sir; but in some way or another--by showing him your letter, I suppose--you have come near to killing my only friend." "I did not show him the letter." "Then I beg your pardon." Brother Copas turned and began to wind in his line.

"If you wish to talk about it, I recognise that you have the right, sir; but let me beg you to be brief." "The more willingly because I wish to consult you afterwards on a pleasanter subject.

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