"Powder!"
"Yes, powder! Is there anything in that explosive material that need cause you to look so wild? I thought you were better acquainted with its properties."
"I believe I begin to understand your intentions; but they don't exactly chime with your plans of yesterday."
"Yesterday! I tell you I was only half awake then. I hadn't considered all the sides to the question; and the more I think, the madder I get. I tell you we have been imposed upon; and I am going to pay back the debt with interest. I had another idea yesterday; but my plans were then immature and unsettled, now they are arranged even to the details. I tell you I have been thinking for the last twenty-four hours; and it has been to some purpose, as you and the rest of these fellows, and Duffel in particular, will find out."
"Very well; if the order is to be destroyed, then there is no need of fearing to let the girl go home, as she could do us no harm if she did reveal our secrets."
"I tell you I have taken a fancy to the girl myself and have set my heart on possessing her, and I will do it. It's true I don't care for the order now. I defy all its members; but that makes no difference about the girl. She goes with us."
"I don't believe any good will come of takin' her, but there is a plaguy good chance for evil to come of it."
"Let it come, then, and we'll face it like men! I tell you I am desperate; I have fixed my stakes and I don't intend to be driven from them. The more I think, the more determined I become."
"But it looks so mean and cowardly to abuse a woman."
"Who said I was going to abuse her?"