"Well, well, Shadrach!"

"No, 'tain't well; it's bad. He's gone, and--and you and me that was
with him for years and years, his very best friends on earth as you
might say, wasn't with him when he died. If it hadn't been for her he'd
have stayed in South Harniss where he belonged. Consarn women! They're
responsible for more cussedness than the smallpox. 'When a man marries
his trouble begins'; that's gospel, too."

Zoeth did not answer.

Captain Gould, after a sidelong glance at his companion, took a hand
from the reins and laid it on the Hamilton knee.

"I'm sorry, Zoeth," he said, contritely; "I didn't mean to--to rake up
bygones; I was blowin' off steam, that's all. I'm sorry."

"I know, Shadrach. It's all right."

"No, 'tain't all right; it's all wrong. Somebody ought to keep a watch
on me, and when they see me beginnin' to get hot, set me on the back of
the stove or somewheres; I'm always liable to bile over and scald the
wrong critter. I've done that all my life. I'm sorry, Zoeth, you know I
didn't mean--"

"I know, I know. Ah hum! Poor Marcellus! Here's the first break in the
old firm, Shadrach."

"Yup. You and me are all that's left of Hall and Company. That is--"