“‘Fine girl!’ I says. ‘An’, Dan, I was in hopes that she would discover her own folly before it was too late. But she saw that others had begun to push her in the race an’ that she had to let out another link or fall behind.’
“‘Well, I wish her happiness,’ says Dan, with a sigh.
“‘Go an’ tell her so,’ I says. ‘Show her that you have some care as to whether she lives or dies.’
“I could see that his feelin’s had been honed ’til they were sharp as a razor.
“‘I’ve seen that fellow,’ he says, ‘an’ he’ll never marry Lizzie if I can prevent it. I hate the looks of him. I shall improve the first opportunity I have to insult him.’
“‘That might be impossible,’ I suggested.
“‘But I’ll make the effort,’ says Dan.
“As an insulter I wouldn’t wonder if Dan had large capacity when properly stirred up.
“‘Better let him alone. I have lines out that will bring information. Be patient.’
“Dan rose and said he would see me soon, an’ left with a rather stern look on his face.”