"You have no scruples."
"Yes; I suppose it is an advantage."
"I have to put up with you, but you have no intention of putting up with me, have you? You did your best to kill me this afternoon."
"Not my best."
"You'll improve on it, I take it?"
"I'll improve."
"I expect you will. A person who can be in two places at once can do better than a loosened girth."
"Oh, much better. But one has to accept the means to hand."
"I see."
"I suppose you wouldn't like, in return for my confidences, to tell me something?"