"I am desperate. Look to yourself."
The Advocate smiled, and purposely deepened the airiness of his tones.
"This is a serious business, then?"
"You'll find it so, if you trifle with me."
"Are you hungry?"
"I am starving."
"You have a powerful voice for a starving man."
"Don't play with me, master. I mean to have what I ask for."
"How can you, if I do not possess it? How will you if, possessing it, I refuse to give it you?"
The reply was a crashing blow at an overhanging branch, which broke it to the ground. It was evident that the man carried a stout weapon, and that he meant to use it, with murderous effect, if driven to extremes. They spoke at arm's-length; neither was quite within the other's grasp.