“What are you doing nowadays? Beth said something about your having a tiptop place.”
“I don’t think she could have said that, Syd.”
“Yes, she did, too, or words to that effect. You don’t mean to doubt my word, do you?” he defiantly added.
“I’d rather not,” Ben quietly replied. “We’ve fought all our lives on the slightest cause, and we’re too old for that sort of thing, now.”
“I don’t want to quarrel,—but that’s what she said.”
“I don’t see how that is possible, when I haven’t any place at all.”
“Haven’t any? Ain’t you working?”
“Yes, I’m going to work,—but for myself. It isn’t a secret any longer; so you may as well know it, since you are so interested in my affairs. I’ve bought the old Smelting Works, to work them for gold.”
Ben thoroughly enjoyed making this announcement. Between Syd and himself there had always been a rivalry; and after Syd’s foolish bragging about something that both knew to be false, it was a satisfaction to Ben to impart his news.
“For gold!” Syd repeated in surprise.