companion; and contented himself simply with a repetition of the
question in which it had originated.

"Why, I take shame to answer you rightly, 'squire, seeing I am no wiser
and no better than I am; but the whole secret of the matter lies in the
handle of this little hatchet, and this I made out of a live-oak sapling
some sixteen years ago--It's much less worn than I, yet I am twice its
age, I reckon."

"You are now then about thirty-two?"

"Ay, just thirty-two. It don't take much calculating to make out that.
My own schooling, though little enough for a large man, is more than
enough to keep me from wanting help at such easy arithmetic."

With the exception of an occasional and desultory remark or two, the
conversation had reached a close. The gravity--the almost haughty
melancholy which, at intervals, appeared the prevailing characteristic
of the manners and countenance of the youth, served greatly to
discourage even the blunt freedom of Mark Forrester, who seemed piqued
at length by the unsatisfactory issue of all his endeavors to enlist the
familiarity and confidence of his companion. This Ralph soon discovered.
He had good sense and feeling enough to perceive the necessity of some
alteration in his habit, if he desired a better understanding with one
whose attendance, at the present time, was not only unavoidable but
indispensable--one who might be of use, and who was not only willing and
well-intentioned, but to all appearance honest and harmless, and to whom
he was already so largely indebted. With an effort, therefore, not so
much of mind as of mood, he broke the ice which his own indifference had
suffered to close, and by giving a legitimate excuse for the garrulity