"Yes," he said, quietly. "I hear it. So
does Mr. Winslow here, and Mrs. Armstrong. They can be called as
witnesses if it is necessary. You had better let me finish,
Babbitt. As I say, you are not to mention Mrs. Armstrong's name,
you are not to repeat or circulate any scandal or story reflecting
upon her character--"
"Or her brother's either," put in Jed, eagerly. "Tell him he can't
talk against Charlie, either."
"Certainly. You are not to repeat or circulate anything derogatory
to the character of either Mrs. Armstrong or Mr. Phillips. In any
way derogatory."
Phineas tossed both fists in the air.
"You can't order me around that way," he yelled. "Besides, if you
knew what I know about that gang you'd--"
"Hush! I don't want to know anything you know--or pretend to know.
As for ordering you about--well, we'll see."
"I tell you you can't. You ain't got the right."
"Perhaps not. But I have the right to use my discretion--my
judgment in your case. And my judgment is that if I hear one
scandalous story about town reflecting upon the character of Mrs.
Armstrong or her brother--yes, or her friends--I shall know who is
responsible and I shall have you arrested and held for trial as an
enemy of the country. You condemned the United States to the devil
only a moment ago in my hearing. Do you think that would help you
in court, Babbitt? I don't.
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