"Unfortunately, such people are rare."
"I don't know but one."
"Indeed? Who is he?"
"I reckon you know," said Briskow.
The listener looked up with quickened interest; there was a sharp ring to his voice when he said: "Let me get this right."
"You're the only man I ever knowed that I'd bank my life on. An' you're smart. You wouldn't take Buddy, but mebbe you'd kinda—take me; take all of us. I tell you I'm skeered!"
"Just how much confidence do I inspire in you?" Gray's expression was peculiar, for amazement, doubt, eagerness were equally blended.
"This much: I'd turn the hull works over to you, if you'd look out for us."
"You—scarcely know me."
"Oh, I know you well enough!" Briskow smiled his slow, shrewd smile.
"So does Ma. So does Allie an' Bud."