Now the only reason which suggested itself to Joe at that moment was that Chalker had lately drawn a new will for the old man, and that he himself might be in it.

Here he was wrong.

The only reason of Mr.Chalker's friendly attitude was curiosity to know what Joe was doing, and how he was living.
"Look here, Chalker," Joe whispered, "you used to pretend to be a pal.
What's the good of being a pal if you won't help a fellow?
You see my grandfather once a week or so; you shut the door and have long talks with him.

If you know what he's going to do with his money, why not tell a fellow?
Let's make a business matter of it." "How much do you know, Joe, and what is your business proposal worth ?" "Nothing at all; that's the honest truth--I know nothing.

The old man's as tight as wax.