"He did that, and if the knife hadn't glanced off exactly as it did, it would have been all over with me, as sure as you're born."
"What made the cub strike you? I know he's pretty hot-blooded, but I shouldn't have thought that of him."
"He resented what he termed my meddling with his business, I believe."
"And had you done so? I didn't even know that you two were acquainted."
"Oh, yes, I have always known Hen, and I have ventured to give him good advice now and then."
"It must have been good advice if you gave it to him."
"To be sure, it was so, if he had had the genius to profit by it."
"But what started you on the run? Didn't you dare to stay and face the music?"
"Why, you see, his attack upon me could but draw the attention of the public to me, and knowing the fact that he has called at my rooms several times, and remained an hour or so each time, would be sure to come out and be put down to my disadvantage, I concluded to dig out while I had an opportunity to do so."
"I am inclined to think you did wisely," said Barney, after some moments' reflection.