"I don't care to talk any more about it. I made my explanation to you last night, because I had promised to make one. That's all."
"I'm afraid I was a bit illuminated last night," said Holt.
"You were."
"Still, you know, I knew what I was saying."
Stainton did not reply.
"And what I said," Holt supplemented, "is what I think now and what I always will think."
"Very well. Let it go at that, George."
Holt made a mighty effort.
"The plain truth is," said he, "that people will call you an old fool to buy a piece of undressed kid."
Stainton's bulky figure filled the doorway. He was in his shirt-sleeves, his hands busy with the collar-button at the back of his neck.