Hush it is."

It was the firm conviction of the simple-minded Sol that no one knew
the various natural indications of human passion better than himself.
Perhaps it was one of the fallacies of his profession that the
expression of all human passion was limited to certain conventional
signs and sounds. Consequently, when Rand colored violently, became
confused, stammered, and at last turned hastily away, the good-hearted
fellow instantly recognized the unfailing evidence of modesty and
innocence embarrassed by recognition. As for Rand, I fear his shame
was only momentary. Confirmed in the belief of his ulterior wisdom and
virtue, his first embarrassment over, he was not displeased with this
halfway tribute, and really believed that the time would come when
Mr. Sol should eventually praise his sagacity and reservation,
and acknowledge that he was something more than a mere boy. He,
nevertheless, shrank from meeting Mornie that morning, and was glad that
the presence of Mrs. Sol relieved him from that duty.

The day passed uneventfully. Rand busied himself in his usual
avocations, and constructed a temporary shelter for himself and Sol
beside the shaft, besides rudely shaping a few necessary articles of
furniture for Mrs. Sol.

"It will be a little spell yet afore Mornie's able to be moved,"
suggested Sol, "and you might as well be comfortable."

Rand sighed at this prospect, yet presently forgot himself in the
good humor of his companion, whose admiration for himself he began to
patronizingly admit. There was no sense of degradation in accepting the
friendship of this man who had traveled so far, seen so much, and yet,