He's agreeable." "But-- ?" Uncle Ben followed Rupert's glance at Johnny, who however appeared to be absorbed in the pattern of Uncle Ben's new trousers.
"That's fixed," he said with a meaning smile.

"There's a sort o' bonus we pays down, you know--for a Chinyman to do the odd jobs." "And teacher--Mr.Ford--did ye tell him ?" said Rupert brightening.
Uncle Ben coughed slightly.

"He's agreeable, too, I reckon.

That is," he wiped his mouth meditatively, "he ez good ez allowed it in gin'ral conversation a week ago, Roop." A swift shadow of suspicion darkened the boy's brown eyes.

"Is anybody else goin' with us ?" he said quickly.
"Not this yer trip," replied Uncle Ben complacently.