“I got in here yesterday morning, and you went out of town right away,” Smith began.
“Yes, I seen you, and left immediately,” Champers replied.
“Why do you dodge me? Is it because you know I can throw you? Or is it because I got full here once and beat 344 you up a bit over in Wyker’s place?” Smith asked smoothly, but with something cruel leaping up in his eyes.
“I didn’t dodge you. I had business to see to and I hurried to it, so I wouldn’t miss you this afternoon,” Champers declared. “What do you want now?”
“Money, and I’m going to have it,” Smith declared.
“Go get it, then!” Champers said coolly.
“You go get it for me, and go quick,” Smith responded. “I’m in a bad fix, I needn’t tell you. I’ve got to have money; it’s what I live for.”
“I believe you. It’s all you ever did live for, and it’s brought you where it’ll bring any man danged soon enough who lives for it that way,” Champers asserted.
“Since when did you join the Young Men’s Christian Association?” Smith asked blandly.
“Since day before yesterday.”