"Then stick to that," he said.
"But, Huber——"
Luke interrupted. He fronted Betty.
"Betty," he said, "do you understand what your father is asking me to do? You know how I am placed, and you heard my speech to-night. Now, your father wants me to go back on all that in order to save him from poverty and you from poverty and me from poverty and defeat. I won't do it. Whether you like it or not, I won't do it!"
The girl got up slowly and put a hand on his shoulder. Her eyes, as she looked from one man to the other, were very beautiful, but they were firm.
"Father," she said, "I've learned a lot lately. Luke's right and—and I'm with him."
Forbes turned toward her irritably.
"Oh, go to bed!" said he.
Luke laughed and, reaching up, patted the hand that was on his shoulder.
"No, no," he protested, "you mustn't intrigue with my allies, Forbes."