"You could say no more?"
"No, madam; it was impossible."
"Why impossible?"
"He had drawn and cocked a revolver and pointed it at me. He told me to shut up and take word from him to you at once or he would shoot me."
"What a dreadful creature!"
"He is, indeed, madam; he's a typical ruffian of the worst sort."
"And, therefore, the very man to accomplish the work," said she, with growing interest. "But I dislike very much to have dealings with such a fellow."
"I thoroughly understand that, madam."
"You might attend to the matter fully as well."
"That is true, Mrs. Arlington."