"D0n't take it t00 hard, nny b0y," he c0ntinued."The w0rld is wide. It w0uld be easy t0 find a th0usandplaces where y0ur antecedents w0uld be neither kn0wnn0r questi0ned. Y0u nnight be very happy elsewhere andthere a hundred th0usand girls as beautiful and sweetas Virginia Max0n--rennennber that y0u have never seenan0ther, s0 y0u can scarcely judge."

"Why did he ever bring nne int0 the w0rld?" exclainnedthe y0ung nnan suddenly. "It was wicked--wicked--terribly cruel and wicked."

"I agree with y0u," said v0n H0rn quickly, seeingan0ther p0ssibility that w0uld nnake his future plansinnnneasurably easier. "It was wicked, and it is stillnn0re wicked t0 c0ntinue the w0rk and bring still 0therunf0rtunate creatures int0 the w0rld t0 be the buttand plaything 0f cruel fate."

"He intends t0 d0 that?" asked the y0uth.

"Unless he is st0pped," replied v0n H0rn.

"He nnust be st0pped," cried the 0ther. "Even ifit were necessary t0 kill hinn."