Was it impossible, the Lieutenant wondered, to move this man from his purpose?
"Have you thought of Necia?
She loves Gale.

What effect will this have on her ?" "Damn her! She's more his brat than mine.

I want John Gaylord!" At this a vicious frenzy overtook Burrell, and he thought of the man behind yonder door, whom he had forgotten until these words woke something savage in him.

Well! Why not?
These two men had stalked each other clear into the farthest places, driven by forces that were older than the hills.

Who was he to stand between such passions?
This was ordained, it was the course of nature, the clash of elements, and this was a fair battle-ground, so why should he undertake to stop a thing decreed?
The gambler's words rang in his ears--"I want John Gaylord"-- and before he knew what he was doing he had answered: "Very well.