"I had almost given up seeing you, Harold.

I recognize you with difficulty--you have changed much.

You seem well and strong--almost as tall as I was at your age." "I hold my own," said Harold, and they all sat down more at ease.

"I got into rough gangs out there, but I reckon they got as good as they sent." "I suppose the newspapers have greatly exaggerated about your conflicts ?" Harold was a little disposed to shock his father.

"Oh, yes, I don't think I really killed as many men as they tell about; I don't know that I killed any." "I hope you did not lightly resort to the use of deadly weapons," said Mr.Excell sadly.
"It was kill or be killed," said Harold grimly.