It does so! We're all proud of you." "Much obliged, Alvin, I'm sure.

But why ?" He winked and nudged me with his elbow.
"You know why, all right," he whispered.

"Wouldn't sell him the land, would you?
Tell me: Did he make you a real bid for it?
Lute as much as said he did." For a person who had told nothing, Lute seemed to have "as much as said" a good many things.

I shook my head.
"So you think I shouldn't sell the land ?" I asked.
"Course you shouldn't--not to him.

Ain't there such things as public spirit and independence?
But I'll tell you somethin' more, Ros," mysteriously.