"And so you were willing to run such a risk with the vague uncertainty of winning my daughter? Did you stop to count the cost?"
"I did. But it has been said by one, who is considered an authority, that
"'He is not worthy of the honey-comb
'That shuns the hive because the bees have stings.'"
"Who said that?" Weston asked.
"No less a person than Master Shakespeare himself. He is a safe guide to all young lovers."
"I like those words," and Weston glanced toward his books. "I have read much in Shakespeare, but cannot remember that saying. I admire your spirit, too, and it is a great pity that you have not used it in some other cause. Were you alone in this fool-chase of yours?"
"Not at all. For a while I had the company of a fine old man, Frontier
Samson by name. No doubt you have heard of him."
"Indeed, I have, and a bigger rascal never lived."
"Rascal! do you say?"
"Yes, and a mean one at that. He is a deceiver, and should be driven out of the country. He has given me more trouble than any man I ever met."