"How do you like it ?" "I like the place a whole lot better than the company," Tom answered promptly.
"What's the matter with the company ?" jeered Black.
"A hangman would feel more at home in a crowd like this." "See here, cub! Don't you try to get funny," warned Black, his eyes snapping dangerously.

"If you attempt any of your impudence here you'll soon find out who's master." "Master ?" scoffed Tom, his own eyes flashing.

"Black, do you draw any comfort from feeling that you're boss of such an outfit?
Though I daresay that the outfit is better than its boss.

However, you asked my opinion, and you got it.

I'll give you a little more of my opinion, Black, and it won't cost you a cent." He looked steadily into his enemy's eyes as he continued: "Black, a good, clean dog wouldn't willingly stand by this crowd!" Thump! 'Gene Blacks clenched fist landed in Reade's face, knocking him down.
"Thank you," murmured Reade, as he sat up.
"Much obliged, are you ?" jeered Black.
"Yes," admitted Tom.