Page:Frank Packard - Greater Love Hath No Man.djvu/71

 "There's a very good reason," he said bluntly. "I am afraid of you. And as long as you persist in trying to run your neck into a noose, I am afraid of you. That's honest, isn't it? I am afraid that if I gave you the chance to let that head of yours work, you'd beat me even now. Now then, Varge, for the last time, won't you let us go into this shoulder to shoulder? Won't you open up?"

"I have nothing to open up," said Varge monotonously.

"That is final?"

"That is final," answered Varge.

Randall moved slowly to the door and rattled for Handerlie, who had let him in. Then he turned and looked at Varge.

"There's a verse in the Bible, Varge, I've been thinking about a good deal these last few days," he said, in a low, husky voice. "You know it—it begins like this, 'Greater love hath no man …'"

Varge's chin was cupped again in his hand, his eyes were on the stone floor and he did not look up.

Handerlie's step sounded along the corridor. Then Randall spoke again.

"You're a big man, Varge—according to that verse, there aren't any bigger. And so—well so, thank God, I can save you."