“Yes; he is about twenty-five.”
“How long have you two been out here?”
“Not much over a week.”
“Why isn't Melville with you this morning?”
“He is in delicate health—consumption—and he gets tired sooner than I do.”
“I must come over and see you, I reckon.”
“I hope you will. We get lonely sometimes. If you would like to borrow something to read, Mr. Melville has plenty of books.”
“Read!” repeated Jack. “No, thank you. I don't care much for books. A newspaper, now, is different. A man likes to know what's going on in the world; but I leave books to ministers, schoolmasters, and the like.”
“If you don't read, how do you fill up your time, Jack?”
“My pipe's better than any book, lad. I'm goin' to set down and have a smoke now. Wish I had an extra pipe for you.”