Ben nodded, still too astonished for speech.
“Then listen to what I tell you. No one must know what you know now.”
“But—but Miss Margaret and Dick—” gasped Ben.
“They don't know,” interrupted the doctor, “and must not know. Will you promise me this, Ben?”
“By Jove, Barney! I don't—I don't think—”
“Do you hear me, Ben? Do you promise?”
“Yes, by the livin'—”
“Good-bye, Ben; I think I can depend on you for the sake of old days.” The doctor's smile set Ben's head in a whirl.
“You bet, Bar—Doctor!” he cried.
“Good old boy, Ben. Good-bye, lad.”