"Was that why Squire Bates arranged for you to take me with you?" asked Dean, with a penetrating look.
"What motive could he have except to help you to a position?" answered Kirby, evasively.
"I don't know," answered Dean, emphasizing the last word.
"But you suspect something. Is that it?"
Dean nodded.
"Boy, you are too candid for your own good. It is clear that you are too sharp to be kept at liberty."
"Do you mean to take me back to the cave?"
"Yes."
"Why not let me travel with you instead? I should prefer it to such a gloomy prison."