think we understand each other clearly, Force. You want Kathleen. So
do I. There's only one way for you to get her, and that is to have
Mrs. Force intercede for you. If your wife comes to me and says that
SHE wants Kathleen, I'll give her up, even though it breaks my heart.
What have you to say, Force?"

Force had lost all his lofty confidence. He was shaking again, as with
the ague. This was not at all what he had bargained for. Who would
have dreamed it of Bingle?

"Come now, Bingle, let us get together--"

Mr. Bingle interrupted him in no uncertain manner. He planted himself
squarely in front of the big man--in fact, almost under his nose--and
snarled:

"There's only one way for you to get Kathleen away from me, Force,
and, darn you, I don't believe you'll undertake it. I shall give her
up to you only on condition that you acknowledge her to be your
daughter."

Force's jaw dropped. "Are you crazy, Bingle?" he gasped. He lifted his
head the next instant in order to avoid the agitated finger that was
being shaken under his nose.

"I don't intend that you shall say to the world that she is a child of
shame. Not at all, sir! That would be the height of cruelty. But
you've got to tell your wife the story you've told me if you want to
take Kathleen away from me. She has got to know that the child is
yours. You can't come any adoption dodge over me, Force. She's already