cheek.

"In case of accident."

"Wot accident?" persisted Collinson, with a dark look of suspicion
on his usually placid face.

"In case we should forget it," said the close-shaven man, with a
laugh.

"And do you suppose that if you boys went and forgot it that I'd
have anything to do with your d--d paper?" said Collinson, a murky
cloud coming into his eyes.

"Why, that's only business, Colly," interposed Uncle Dick quickly;
"that's all Jim Parker means; he's a business man, don't you see.
Suppose we got killed! You've that draft to show."

"Show who?" growled Collinson.

"Why,--hang it!--our friends, our heirs, our relations--to get your
money, hesitated Uncle Dick.

"And do you kalkilate," said Collinson, with deeply laboring
breath, "that if you got killed, that I'd be coming on your folks
for the worth of the d--d truck I giv ye? Go 'way! Lemme git out
o' this. You're makin' me tired." He stalked to the door, lit his
pipe, and began to walk up and down the gravelly river-bed. Uncle
Dick followed him. From time to time the two other guests heard
the sounds of alternate protest and explanation as they passed and