Johnston McCulley

“ Captain Adams and his mate looked down—to see Señor Guerrero standing there talking to Norene.
Sudden hatred had flamed in the señor's eyes.
"Ragged, ignorant fools!" he cried. "You call them that? They walk through jungles with naked, bleeding feet, they die because of exposure and poisonous snakes, they are shot down like dogs when found, they starve, they die of thirst, they let themselves be strung up and riddled by bullets—and you call them ragged, ignorant fools! They fight for what your country boasts every man has there—the right to live and be free. ”

“ That's where I stand.
"You shanghaied me and made me mate of your law-breaking craft against my will. You placed me in a position where I was subjected to insult. You let Norene believe things that were not true. You haven't been fair. You're not only a fool, but you're a coward!
"Strike me now, break your word, and make yourself out a liar as well!
"That's about all I have to say to you. I'm your mate until the climax, Cap'n Bill Adams. But from now on I fight—you understand?—I fight for myself and for Norene! And you'll find that a Connor can fight, curse you!" ”

“ The law would not have stood this long, uncle, unless it had been a good law. And all nations would not have adopted it unless it was good. You don't know what you do.
"You're making it possible for men to shoot one another, you're helping create widows and orphans—and you're breaking the law!"
"Liberty cannot be gained except blood be shed," said Señor Guerrero.
Norene looked at him in scorn.
"I begin to understand," she said. "You have mentioned to me that you and your friends own oil-fields and mines, and that you could make more money if the government favored you more. ”