You're the kind o' man, Mr.Chivers, that I cottoned to from the first.

Ef this house wasn't HERS, I'd a' bin tempted to cotton to yer offer, too, and mebbee made yer one myself, for it seems to me your style and mine would sorter jibe together.

But I see you sabe what's in my mind, and make allowance.

WE don't want no bit o' paper to shake hands on that.

Your secret and your folk's secret is mine, and I don't blab that any more than I'd blab to them wot you've just told me." Under a sudden impulse, Chivers leaned forward, and, albeit with somewhat unsteady hands and an embarrassed will, untied the cords that held Collinson in his chair.