"What was he when you knew him first?"
"Well, to tell the truth, he was in very much the same condition as myself."
"Well, if you put it like that—yes!"
"You know nothing of his history?"
"Nothing. He's not the sort of man to talk of his past."
"I believe you. Well, look here, Ellison, I'm going to tell you his past."
"How do you know it?"
"Never mind, it is enough that I do know it."
"Well, I don't want to hear it. You'll never make me think him guilty, so don't waste your breath trying."