As to why Joe didn't come to the house, you must ask him; I don't know." "You refuse to explain ?" demanded Phil.
"I certainly refuse to discuss Joe Dryden's private affairs--that, so far as I can see, are of no importance to anyone but himself--with you or anyone else.

Just as I should refuse to discuss any of your private affairs, with which I happened, by some chance, to be, in a way, familiar.

I have made all the explanation necessary when I say that my business with him has nothing to do with your business.

You have no right to ask me anything further." "I have the right to fire you," retorted Phil, angrily.
Patches smiled, as he answered gently, "You have the right, Phil, but you won't use it." "And why not ?" "Because you are not that kind of a man, Phil Acton," answered Patches slowly.

"You know perfectly well that if you discharged me because of my friendship with poor Yavapai Joe, no ranch in this part of the country would give me a job.