There had been a gathering impatience in Lord Nick. Now he, also, leaped to his feet; a giant.
"Tell me in one word: You stick on this point?"
"In one word—yes!"
"Then you deny me, Garry. You set me aside for a silly purpose of your own—a matter that really doesn't mean much to you. It shows me where I stand in your eyes—and nothing between the devil and the moon shall make me sidestep!"
They remained silent, staring at each other. Lord Nick stood with a flush of anger growing; Donnegan became whiter than ever, and he stiffened himself to his full height, which, in all who knew him well, was the danger signal.
"You take Landis?" he said softly.
"I do."
"Not," said Donnegan, "while I live!"
"You mean—" cried Lord Nick.
"I mean it!"