How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #7
By and by, Bill sits up and feels behind his ear and says, "Sam, do you know who my favorite Biblical character is?"
"Take it easy," says I. "You'll come to your senses presently."
"King Herod," says he. "You won't go away and leave me here alone, will you, Sam?"
Bill is not referring to King Herod's architectural achievements here. It is safe to assume that Bill is making a fairly incoherent reference to the Massacre of the Innocents, and his possible desire to put Johnny out of their misery.
Quote #8
"If you don't behave," says I, "I'll take you straight home. Now, are you going to be good, or not?" (44)
Not exactly a phrase you expect to be uttered by a kidnapper. Sam figures that if he threatens Johnny, there is some hope that Bill will survive the day while he goes to town again. This is the first indication that Sam is admitting Johnny has the upper hand in the situation.
Quote #9
"You know, Sam," says Bill, "I've stood by you without batting an eye in earthquakes, fire, and flood—in poker games, dynamite outrages, police raids, train robberies, and cyclones. I never lost my nerve yet till we kidnapped that two-legged skyrocket of a kid. He's got me going. You won't leave me long with him, will you, Sam?" (48)
Poor Bill is reminding Sam of his loyalty and steadfastness. Johnny is more dangerous to Bill than any of the ill-begotten adventures the two had previously encountered. This is both funny and a bit sad.