"But it is of the best, I assure you. But I brood, yes, I brood, and that is worse than ill-health—it is the ill health of the mind, the soul."
"I am afraid you work too hard."
"Um, work, I hardly know what that is. I am trying to rest, but it is like a man seeking sleep on a bed of thorns. Work is all right, for we can put it aside, but worry rides us till we are down, and then sits on our breast, waiting for us to get up."
William came in, shying a little upon seeing Bradley, but shook hands with him. "I am glad to see you looking so well, Mr. William," said the preacher.
"Oh, I'm a pine knot. Ain't I, John?"
The Judge looked at him inquiringly. "What did you say?"
"I said I was a pine knot."
"Did you?"
"Did I? Didn't I just say I did?"
"If you did, you did. That's all. But who accused you of not being a pine knot?"