"Mark," he said, with a great show of cordiality, "I am delighted to hear of your good fortune. I always liked you, and I think you deserve to be rich."
"Thank you!" said Mark, much gratified, for he liked flattery. "I am sure I am very much obliged to you."
"Oh, not at all! I only say what I think. Shall I tell you why I am particularly glad?"
"Yes, if you like," returned Mark, in some curiosity.
"Because I like you better than that young muff, your stepbrother. I hope you won't be offended at my plain speaking," he added, artfully.
"Certainly not!" said Mark.
"I suppose," said James, "you will see a little life now that you are your own master and have plenty of money."
"I don't know exactly what you mean, James. There isn't much life to be seen in Bridgeville."
"That is true; but still there is some. Suppose now"—by this time they were in front of the saloon, which, besides a bar, contained a billiard and pool table—"suppose now we go in and have a game of billiards."
"It's against the rules, isn't it?" asked Mark.