“Why can't I?”
“Because I won't let you.”
“Listen! Keep on not lettin' me: I'll be there just the same.”
At that his father broke into a sour laughter. “THEY won't let you, Walter! They won't have you down there after they find out I'm going.”
“Why won't they? You don't think they're goin' to be all shot to pieces over losin' YOU, do you?”
“I tell you they won't let you stay,” his father insisted, loudly.
“Why, what do they care whether you go or not?”
“They'll care enough to fire YOU, my boy!”
“Look here, then; show me why.”
“They'll do it!”