“My dear young friend,” said Fairfax, putting his handkerchief to his eyes, “you grieve me deeply—indeed you do! I had thought you would understand me better. You do not consider that I am a rich man and can have no object in depriving you of your little store of money. Let us go to bed and forget this unpleasant little circumstance.”
“No, Mr. Fairfax, you cannot stay here any longer. I insist upon your dressing yourself and leaving the stateroom!”
“But, my young friend. It is the middle of the night!”
“I can’t help it!” said Robert resolutely.
“And, in my delicate health, it would be dangerous.”
“I don’t believe you are in delicate health, but I can’t help it if you are. You must go!”
“You forget,” said Fairfax in a different tone, “that half of the stateroom is mine. I have paid for it.”
“Then I will return the money. Here it is.”
“I prefer to remain here.”
“If you don’t go,” said Robert energetically, “I will call for help and report that you tried to rob me!”