Understand ?" But Joe did not understand.

He refused to understand that Brick Simpson's word was law in San Francisco, or any part of San Francisco.

His love of honesty and right dealing was offended, and all his fighting blood was up.
"You give those kites to me, right here and now," he threatened, reaching out his hand for them.
But Simpson jerked them away.

"D' ye know who I am ?" he demanded.

"I 'm Brick Simpson, an' I don't 'low no one to talk to me in that tone of voice." "Better leave him alone," Charley whispered in Joe's ear.