"Humility itself," ejaculated another.
The exaggeration of their expressions of wonderment as well as admiration did not at all upset Mr. Mole's moral equilibrium.
He had a very large swallow for admiration, and he pleased to take it all as his legitimate due.
"The only thing which can at all compare to Mr. Jefferson's gallant deed was an adventure that I will tell you of," said he, modestly. "I was on a whaling expedition up north——"
"Whaling?"
"You!"
"Yes, yes, I, Jack. What is there surprising in that?"
"Nothing, sir," responded young Jack; "only I was not aware you had ever done any thing in that line."
"Now, how can you expect to know all my past career, my dear boy?"
"Of course, sir."