There was nothing more for
me to do. I dropped the matter. Then, recently, I began to think about
the child. I began to want her. I engaged detectives to--"
"We know all about that," interrupted Mr. Bingle crisply. "And now I
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.
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