He grunted. "Didn't find any worms, did you?"
"No, I don't think I did."
"I know you didn't. Worms and mica don't exist in the same soil. Very rugged?"
I was determined to be business-like, not to give him information unless he asked for it; and I sat there, studying him. He was direct and this pleased me, for it bespoke a quick decision. But after a time I grew tired of looking upon his absorption, for his mood was unvarying, and he held one position almost without change, so I began to walk about, looking at the pictures of factories and of mines, hung on the walls. The day was hot and the windows were up, and I looked down on the ant-working industry in the street. How different from the view that lay out of my window in the old log house; but I was resolved to draw no long bow of astonishment, for in a man's surprise is a reflex of his ignorance.
"What business?" the capitalist asked, still without looking up.
"None, you might say. Have taught school, but of late I have employed my time with studying law."
He looked round at me and then resumed his work. A long time passed. I heard his watch snap and then he got up.
"We'll go out and get a bite to eat," he said. "Any particular place?"
"No," I answered, pleased that he should presume that I was acquainted with the eating houses of the town.