Quotation from: The Secret Agent

Written by: Joseph Conrad

It was very well said, without scorn, with an almost austere quietness.

"Doubtless," was the answer; "but there's no time like the present,
believe me. For a man of real convictions this is a fine opportunity of
self-sacrifice. You may not find another so favourable, so humane. There
isn't even a cat near us, and these condemned old houses would make a
good heap of bricks where you stand. You'll never get me at so little
cost to life and property, which you are paid to protect."