“Yet the thought of poison–”
“Yes; but the thought of self-preservation! Sooner than starve, I’d poison every animal in Africa–and so would you.”
“I–I–You put it in such a horrible way. One must consider others, animals as well as people; and yet–”
“Survival of the fittest. I’ve read some things, and I’m no fool, if I do say it myself. For instance, I’m the boss here, because I’m the fittest of our crowd in this environment; but back in what’s called civilized parts, where the law lets a few shrewd fellows monopolize the means of production, a man like your father–”
“Mr. Blake, it is not my fault if papa’s position in the business world–”
“Nor his, either–it’s the cussed system! No; that’s all right, Miss Jenny. I was only illustrating. Now, I take it, both you and Win would like to get rid of a boss like me, if you could get rid of Africa at the same time. As it is, though, I guess you’d rather have me for boss, and live, than be left all by your lonesomes, to starve.”
“I–I’m sure there is no question of your leadership, Mr. Blake. We have both tried our best to do what you have asked of us.”
“You have, at least. But I know. If a ship should come to-morrow, it’d be Blake to the back seat. ‘Papa, give this–er–person a check for his services, while I chase off with Winnie, to get my look-in on ’Is Ri-yal ’Igh-ness.’”
Miss Leslie flushed crimson– “I’m sure, Mr. Blake–”
“Oh, don’t let that worry you, Miss Jenny. It don’t me. I couldn’t be sore with you if I tried. Just the same, I know what it’ll be like. I’ve rubbed elbows enough with snobs and big bugs to know what kind of consideration they give one of the mahsses–unless one of the mahsses has the drop on them. Hello, Win! What’s kept you so late?”