``When I say a thing'll happen, it'll happen,'' interrupted her
father. ``We've made up our minds it's time to give these
fellows a lesson. It's got to be done. A milder lesson'll serve
now, where later on it'd have to be hard. I tell you these
things because I want you to remember 'em. They'll come in
handy--when you'll have to look after your own property.''

She knew how her father hated the thought of his own death; this
was the nearest he had ever come to speaking of it. ``Of course,
there's your brother William,'' he went on. ``William's a good
boy--and a mighty good business man--though he does take risks
I'd never 'a took--not even when I was young and had nothing to
lose. Yes--and Billy's honest. BUT''--the big head shook
impressively--``William's human, Jenny --don't ever forget that.
The love of money's an awful thing.'' A lustful glitter like the
shine of an inextinguishable fire made his eyes fascinating and
terrible. ``It takes hold of a man and never lets go. To see
the money pile up--and up--and up.''

The girl turned away her gaze. She did not wish to see so far
into her father's soul. It seemed a hideous indecency.

``So, Jenny--don't trust William, but look after your own
property.''

``Oh, I don't care anything about it, popsy,'' she cried,
fighting to think of him and to speak to him as simply the living
father she had always insisted on seeing.