"But in this case there isn't, Aunt Nancy; cross my throat if there is."
"I believe you, my child, but would have much preferred if there had been perfect confidence between us."
Jack looked up in positive alarm.
The little woman's tone was so different from what he had ever heard before when she was addressing him, that he actually felt frightened.
"I'll tell you all about it," he said quickly; but Aunt Nancy held up her hand to prevent his saying anything more.
"If it is something which you wish to keep a secret from me I don't want to hear it."
Now Jack was distressed, for there could be no question but that he had displeased his best friend.
"Please listen to me, Aunt Nancy. I did say I wasn't going to tell you, because I thought perhaps you'd think I was meddlin'. That is, you might have thought so after I failed; but if the thing had gone through all right you'd been glad."
Then, disregarding entirely her gestures for him to remain silent, he told all the story save that relating to his interview with Mr. Souders.
It was yet possible old crumple-horn's place would be filled, but he believed it best not to raise any false hopes.