This is the defect in all such operations.

Men cannot be thoroughly trusted." The merchant sighed.

He felt too deeply the force of Grind's remark.
"You know," said he, "this Martin better than I do.

What is his character?
Is he a mere blusterer, whose bark is worse than his bite; or is he vindictive and unscrupulous ?" "Both vindictive and unscrupulous.

I must warn you not to provoke his ill-will.