"You know I don't say it for any reason but just--just for the best interests of all hands.

You know that, don't you--Ruth ?" "Of course, of course.

But what then ?" "I don't really know what then.

Seems to me the very first thing would be for you to speak to him, put the question right up to him, same as he's been puttin' it to himself all this time.

Get him to talk it over with you.