"What's that I just told you about appearances? You are too hasty in your judgments. The trouble with me this evening is that I have found out something."
"I never supposed it would trouble you like this."
"Wait. You do not know what it is."
"That's right. What is it?"
Frank was familiar with Dismal's queer ways, and he knew it was not easy to tell when this son of a "shouting Methodist" was jollying and when he was in earnest; but now he was convinced that Jones was really serious, and he felt that there must be some cause for it.
Harry, strangely sobered and silent, sat listening. He could not understand Jones, and he was on his guard, knowing how often the fellow turned into a farce what seemed a serious matter.
Dismal locked his fingers and twiddled his thumbs. He cleared his throat and then said:
"Merry, what would you say if I were to tell everything I could find out about our crew to the sophs?"
"I should say you were a confounded sneak!"
"Hum! I kinder thought you'd say something like that."