It is not likely that I shall have much power of authority; and yet the Counsellor creeps up to be my Lord of the Treasury; and his son aspires to my hand, as of a Royal alliance.

Well, "honour among thieves," they say; and mine is the first honour: although among decent folk perhaps, honesty is better.
'We should not be so quiet here, and safe from interruption but that I have begged one privilege rather than commanded it.

This was that the lower end, just this narrowing of the valley, where it is most hard to come at, might be looked upon as mine, except for purposes of guard.
Therefore none beside the sentries ever trespass on me here, unless it be my grandfather, or the Counsellor or Carver.
'By your face, Master Ridd, I see that you have heard of Carver Doone.
For strength and courage and resource he bears the first repute among us, as might well be expected from the son of the Counsellor.

But he differs from his father, in being very hot and savage, and quite free from argument.

The Counsellor, who is my uncle, gives his son the best advice; commending all the virtues, with eloquence and wisdom; yet himself abstaining from them accurately and impartially.
'You must be tired of this story, and the time I take to think, and the weakness of my telling; but my life from day to day shows so little variance.