It penetrated the vinous fog that beset the brain of Richard, and startled him.
"'Swear I'm not!" he cried.

"'Swear mos' solemnly I'm not." "Swear ?" echoed Trenchard, and his scowl grew darker still.

"Swear?
A man may swear and yet lie--'a man may smile and smile and be a villain.' I'll have proof of your loyalty to us.

I'll have proof, or as there's a heaven above and a hell below, I'll rip you up." His mien was terrific, and his voice the more threatening in that it was not raised above a whisper.
Richard sat back appalled, afraid.
"Wha'...

what proof'll satisfy you ?" he asked.
Trenchard considered it, pulling at his pipe again.