“Oh, yes. I know. But you know, chum, before you promise to love one woman for all time you should have seen them all.”
“And that display ten minutes ago was all mockery?”
“No, no! Really, Peter, I’m awfully fond of the little woman. Really I am. And you know Daudet says a man can love two women at the same time.”
“And if so, how about his honor?” Peter was trying to repress his emotion, but it would jerk out questions.
“Yes, I know. I’ve said that to myself over and over again. Why, look here.” Watts pulled a small revolver from his hip pocket. “This will show you how close to the desperation point I have come. I’ve carried that for two days, so that if worse comes to worse—well. Phut!—Voila tout.”
Peter rose, speaking in a voice ringing with scorn. “You would escape your sin, to leave it with added disgrace for your wife and daughter to bear! Put up your pistol, Watts D’Alloi. If I am to help you, I want to help a man—not a skulker. What do you want me to do?”
“That’s what I wish to know. What can I do?”
“You have offered her money?”
“Yes. I told her that—”
“Never mind details,” interrupted Peter, “Was it enough to put further offers out of the question?”