"Of course."
"I'll be hanged if I will!" was the response, as Habakkuk stepped back; "a chap hain't got but one life, and if I should lose that, what good would I ever be to myself or any one else? You wouldn't be able to become my bride."
"But it will be dangerous to stay here, and if you go out and be careful it may be the means of saving us all."
"I tell you, dear Maggie, I would do so if it wasn't because I know I would become dizzy; it would be sure to come on me; I feel it coming on me now—there! catch me—hold me—"
He staggered toward her, throwing out his arms, and trying to measure the distance so as to fling his grasp about her, but she stepped back, and he went to the ground.
"Keep away from me!" she said, disdainfully; "if there is any creature in this world which I despise, it is that person who speaks a falsehood to escape duty."
"You'll be sorry for this some day, dear Maggie."
She stamped her foot so angrily, and her father showed such a disposition to interfere, that he checked himself.
"I don't see why I ain't de gemman after all dat's to do dis thing," said Gravity.
Habakkuk McEwen slapped him on his broad shoulder.