"
"You and I? Not at all," was the prompt answer. "Your quarrel is not
with me; you simply insulted Miss Hosmer who, fortunately, has a father
to protect her. Make your peace with him."
Allyne flushed darkly.
"You don't mince your words, sir."
"I have no reason to--nor is there any reason for our talking the thing
over. It is not my privilege to take it up, as I see plainly now; but
if you are a man you will go straight to Captain Hosmer and apologize."
"Oh, I will? It's very easy to tell another man to put his head into
the lion's mouth, isn't it? If he does not know the whole, what's the
use of rousing him up? Better let it drop."
"That's where you'll make a huge mistake. I believe he knows all about
it."
"Has he told you so?"
"Certainly not. We haven't discussed the matter. My belief comes from
another source."
"Oh, Miss--"
"Don't finish! We'll have no names mentioned, if you please. You have
simply misunderstood the character of one or two people to an almost
inexcusable extent. Settle your quarrel with him, then, if you wish
it, and I'll ignore my part in it entirely. But if you act the cad--"
"Well, what then?"
"Then the matter is not ended."
"Indeed!" began Allyne, with a sneer, but a second look into the
other's face, as he braced himself against the wall, even in the half
darkness, convinced him that it would be better to let the affair drop
for the present, at least, as he could now note well not only the
square jaw to which his friend had referred, but also a flash of the
blue eyes that looked dangerous.
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