What is it you hope,--that they will kill me, or that I shall kill them, or what ?" "That is a very reasonable question," Louis admitted.

"I will answer it.

In the first place, I would have them know that they have not all the wits on their side, and if they plot, we, too, can counterplot.

In the second place, I wish you to see the man or the men face to face who make this attempt, and be prepared, if necessary, to recognize them hereafter.

And in the third place, there is one man to whom, if he should himself make the attempt, I should be very glad indeed if harm came of it." "Thank you, Louis," I said, "I am not proposing to do murder if I can help it." "One must defend one's self," Louis said.
"Naturally," I answered, "up to a certain point.