Stamer's eyes winked quickly, and he answered in a tone of sorrow and reproach: "Don't talk like that, gov'nor. You know I'm a square un, I am. I'd die for you. Did I ever peach on you when I was in trouble, gov'nor? It hurts my feelings for you to talk like that! I say, don't do it, gov'nor. You know I'm square. Tell me how much stuff are you going to take with you to-night?"
The words and manner of the man indicated extreme sincerity, and seemed to reassure Timmons. "About two pounds," he answered.
"Oh!" groaned Stamer, shaking his close-cropped head dismally.
"What is the matter with the man? Are you mad? You're not drunk. Your wife tells me you're not on the drink."
"No. I'm reforming. Drink interferes dreadful with business. It spoils a man's nerve too. Two pounds is an awful lot."
"What are you driving at, Stamer? You say you're a square man. Well, as far as I have had to do with you I have found you a square man----"
"And honest?" said Stamer pathetically.
"With me. Yes."
"No man is honest in the way of business."
"Well, well! What is the matter?" said Timmons impatiently; "I've got the kettle on and must run down. I haven't put in those herrings your old woman brought yet."