No hard feelin's at all, and I'd really hate to lose you, but THAT'S got to be as I say." He rose, evidently considering the affair settled.

Brown caught his coat and pulled him back to the bench.
"Wait, Atkins," he said.

"I'm grateful to you for your kindness, I like you and I'd like to please you; but if what you say is final, then--as they used to say in some play or other--'I guess you'll have to hire another boy.'" "What?
You mean you'll quit ?" "Rather than do that--yes." "But why ?" "For reasons, as I told you.

By the way, you haven't told me why you object to acting as guide to--females." "Because they are females.

They're women, darn 'em!" Before his helper could comment on this declaration, it was repeated.
The lightkeeper shook both his big fists in the air.
"Darn 'em! Darn all the women!" shouted Seth Atkins.
"Amen," said John Brown, devoutly.
Seth's fists dropped into his lap.