She was very enthusiastic about his generosity and self-sacrifice.

I asked who told her and she said Mr.Simpson." "Oh! Tad?
Is that so!" The captain looked at her.
"Yes.

And I think there is no doubt that Simpson had orders to make the 'generosity' known to as many townspeople as possible." "Hum! I see.

You figure that Thomas cal'lates 'twill help his popularity and make his case stronger; is that it ?" "Not exactly.

I doubt if he ever thought of such a thing himself.