And while Alexander P.Dill was a big man--an enormous man, one might say--he had none of the earmarks of a fighting man.

It was, perhaps, his very calmness that won Billy for good and all.

Before, Charming Billy had felt toward him a certain amused pity; his instinct had been to protect Mr.Dill.

He would never feel just that way again; Mr.Dill, it would seem, was perfectly well able to protect himself.
"Shall we go ?" Mr.Dill poised the two heads for another bang and held them so.

By this time every one in the room was watching, but he had eyes only for Billy.
"Just as you say," Billy assented submissively.
Mr.Dill shook the two with their faces close together, led them to a couple of chairs and set them emphatically down.