Why should you risk your life for people who are almost strangers ?" "Strangers ?" He laughed softly.

"Has it never occurred to you that the people we grow up with are never really our friends; that real friendship comes only with maturity of the mind?
Why, the best man friend I have in this world is a young chap I met but three years ago.
It is not the knowing of people that makes friendships.

It is the sharing of dangers, of bread, in the wilderness; of getting a glimpse of the soul which lies beneath the conventions of the social pact.
Would you call me a stranger ?" "Oh, no!" she cried swiftly.

"It is merely that I do not want you to risk your life any further for us.

Is there no way I can dissuade you ?" "None that I can think of.