"Then you will always trust me?"
"I will. When one really knows another, then all is safe!"
"How many people do you know?" asked the chief.
She thought a moment, and with a little laugh, replied,
"You."
"Pardon me, Mercy, but I do want to know how your father treats you!"
"We will not talk about him, please. He is my father!—and so far yours that you are bound to make what excuse you can for him."
"That I am bound to do, if he were no father to either of us. It is what God is always doing for us!—only he will never let us off."
"He has had no one to teach him, Alister! and has always been rich, and accustomed to have his own way! I begin to think one punishment of making money in a wrong manner is to be prosperous in it!"
"I am sure you are right! But will you be able to bear poverty,
Mercy?"