"I cannot conceive why nature did not give you a bulldog's head, for you have all a bulldog's tenacity," said Shirley.
"Not a flattering idea. Am I so ignoble?"
"And something also you have of the same animal's silent ways of going about its work. You give no warning; you come noiselessly behind, seize fast, and hold on."
"This is guess-work. You have witnessed no such feat on my part. In your presence I have been no bulldog."
"Your very silence indicates your race. How little you talk in general, yet how deeply you scheme! You are far-seeing; you are calculating."
"I know the ways of these people. I have gathered information of their intentions. My note last night informed you that Barraclough's trial had ended in his conviction and sentence to transportation. His associates will plot vengeance. I shall lay my plans so as to counteract or at least be prepared for theirs—that is all. Having now given you as clear an explanation as I can, am I to understand that for what I propose doing I have your approbation?"
"I shall stand by you so long as you remain on the defensive. Yes."
"Good! Without any aid—even opposed or disapproved by you—I believe I should have acted precisely as I now intend to act, but in another spirit. I now feel satisfied. On the whole, I relish the position."
"I dare say you do. That is evident. You relish the work which lies before you still better than you would relish the execution of a government order for army-cloth."
"I certainly feel it congenial."