“Why did you do it, George?” I said. “I never would have thought of asking such a thing.”
“I know it,” he said. “Course you wouldn't ask it. There's plenty in this town that would, but you wouldn't. Maybe that's one reason I was so glad to do it for you.”
“I am almost sorry you did. It is too great a kindness altogether. I'm afraid I shouldn't have done as much for you.”
“Go on! Yes, you would. I know you.”
I shook my head.
“No, you don't,” I answered. “Captain Jed—your prospective father-in-law—said the other day that he had been mistaken; he thought he knew me, but he was beginning to find he did not.”
“Did he say that? What did he mean?”
“I imagine he meant he wasn't sure whether I was the fool he had believed me to be, or just a sharp rascal.”
Taylor looked at me over the edge of his glass.
“You think that's what he meant, do you?”