"The truth is, I became an apprentice to a merchant myself as a boy and built my fortune up from the ground," said the man gruffly. Then he paused and glowered at him, "If you hurt her, you'll answer to me, you know that, right, boy?"

"Thank you, papa..." she said softly and looked toward Joe with still hurting eyes. There was confusion written across her face for all that was transpiring. She was pale and not looking well. Overwhelmed even.