Murdoch Mysteries2008

Inspector Thomas Brackenreid:
Suppose the Americans proved that we tried to fund the Confederates and these Copperheads, do you really think they'd up and march across the border?

Terrance Meyers:
Probably not how it would happen. A bully doesn't pick a fight with a punch; he provokes it with an insult.

Inspector Thomas Brackenreid:
Most fistfights start with a shoving match.

Terrance Meyers:
Exactly. And then they would demand an apology; if we gave them one, we'd be admitting guilt. The yellow press would demand punitive action. Any further denial would be viewed as fresh provocation, and so it would go.

Inspector Thomas Brackenreid:
Until they're marching across the border.

Terrance Meyers:
And make no mistakes; they'd hand us our heads.