"Course I don't pretend to be a smart enough reader of human nature to say positively that old Mr.Dugdale is all to the good; but he is well read, and I seemed to see what looked like a twinkle in the corners of his eyes as though he might have a fair sense of humor in his make-up." "He liked you, too, didn't he, Thad ?" continued Hugh.
"Well, to be honest with you, I really believe the old gentleman did act a little that way.

Perhaps, it was because he'd heard Owen mention my name as one of his few friends; and Mr.Dugdale was wanting to show how pleased he felt to know me.

Yes, he acted as if he would like to see me again; in fact, he asked me to come in some time, and visit Owen in his den, for the boy often seemed lonely, he told me." "Poor Owen! let's hope this will all come out right in the end, then," Hugh finally said, as though his own mind was made up not to allow the latest discovery to influence him against the Dugdale boy.
"But we've got to admit," added the other, seriously, "that it adds to the tangle a heap, and makes it look worse than before.

However, I'll try and learn a thing or two.

Give me a little, time to get my slow wits working, Hugh; and I may have more news for you.