"Those boys know too much; that's all the trouble," said Ben.
"I was in hopes they would succeed in their undertaking," added Mr.
Sherwood.
"So was I, sir; but there's no chance of their doing anything. I know something about steamboats, for I've been at work on them for three years."
"And you are quite sure they will fail?" asked Mr. Sherwood.
"Just as sure as I am of anything in this world. I told them what the trouble would be; but they know so much they won't hear me. I told them how it ought to be done."
"Here they come; they can speak for themselves," said Mr. Sherwood.
"How do you get along, Lawry?"
"First-rate, sir."
"Indeed! Your brother thinks you are going to make a failure of the job."
"Perhaps we are, sir; but we don't believe it yet—do we, Ethan?"
"We don't."