like I heard you call — and I went — to — to prove to them all that word was a lie. I knew nothing they said here could touch you, but I couldn’t bear that the meanest hound living should dare think wrong of you. Seems like I would have done it if I had had to crawl on my knees and swim the ocean.”

“My fingers tingle to grasp the throat of that young man. I fought him for you once, and if it hadn’t been for a rolling stone under my foot, it would have been death for one of us. As it was, I won — with you to save me — bless you.”

“But now, David — ”

“Ah, but now — what? Are you happy?”

“That isn’t what I mean. You have your future —