Nigel licked his lips.

"Yes—he's a rotter. But he—he has his good points—all men have."

"I don't see how a man like Furlonger can. He seems bad all around. I wonder you care to know him."

"I don't care—I can't help it."

"I suppose you knew him before he went to gaol."

"Yes—and unluckily I can't drop him now."

"I should."

Nigel stared at her, and suddenly felt angry.

"Why, you hard-hearted little girl?"

"He's bad all through—father says so."