Now let me ask you something more.

Have you had any reason for keeping this a secret, other than your fear of confessing that you violated a few bigoted and idiotic mining rules--which, after all, are binding only upon sentiment--and which your success has proved to be utterly impractical ?" "There WAS another reason, Mr.Ford," said Uncle Ben, wiping away an embarrassed smile with the back of his hand, "that is, to be square with you, WHY I thought of consultin' you.

I didn't keer to have McKinstry, and"-- he added hurriedly, "in course Harrison, too, know that I bought up the title to thur boundary." "I understand," nodded the master.

"I shouldn't think you would." "Why shouldn't ye ?" asked Uncle Ben quickly.
"Well--I don't suppose you care to quarrel with two passionate men." Uncle Ben's face changed.

Presently, however, with his hand to his face, he managed to manipulate another smile, only it appeared for the purpose of being as awkwardly wiped away.
"Say ONE passionate man, Mr.Ford." "Well, one if you like," returned the master cheerfully.