“If you want my opinion of it I’ll give it to you right now. I believe it’s about the biggest lie I ever read or heard of.”
“Ben doesn’t lie, Mr. Winter.”
“Oh, no, of course not. Well, there’s your letter. When you write to him send my respects to the Earl, whatever his name is,” and Mr. Winter laughed heartily at what he thought to be a very witty remark.
But Mrs. Winter’s mind was greatly relieved. She fully believed in the truth of Ben’s statements, and was glad to think that he was so happily situated.
That evening Mr. Winter had a call from a nephew, a man of about thirty-five, who had been a rolling stone ever since he had reached the age of discretion. Mr. Winter received him coldly, as he was apprehensive that Ezra would be asking him for money.
“How have you been a-doin’, Ezra?” he asked cautiously.
“I’ve been doing finely, Uncle Jacob,” replied Ezra in an airy manner.
“You don’t say so,” returned Jacob, considerably surprised. “What kind of a business be you in?”
“Mining business, Uncle Jacob.”