"After everything?" John asked.
"Aye, in spite of everything," said Uncle Matthew. "There's great value in life ... great value!"
John picked up the book again, but he did not begin to read, nor did Uncle Matthew show any signs that he wished the reading to be resumed.
"Our minds go this way and that way," Uncle Matthew went on, "and some of us are not happy 'til we're away here and there!..."
"You were always wanting to be off after adventures yourself, Uncle Matthew!"
"Aye, John, I was, and I never went. I've oftentimes thought little of myself for that, but I'm wondering now, lying here, whether it wasn't a great adventure to stop at home. I don't know! I don't know! But I'll know in a wee while! John!"
"Yes, Uncle!"
"I wouldn't change places with the King of England, at this minute, not for all the money in the mint and my weight in gold!"
"Why, Uncle Matthew?"
"Do you know why? Because in a wee while, I'll know all there is to know, and he'll be left here knowing no more nor the rest of you. God is good, John. He shares out his knowledge without favour to anyone. The like of us'll know as much in the next world as the like of them!..."