“I'm sorry you find it difficult to believe in my disinterestedness.”
The captain closed one eye, he was in a most jocular mood.
“Not for a beautifully sane character like you, Jake; there's a lake down in Georgia that's six miles across and four inches deep, but you ain't like that lake; there's a good deal of your father in you. It will come out one of these days, and when it does you will take the skin right off of people's backs, and you will do it without a pang.”
“Thanks,” said Benson.
“Don't mention it,” retorted the captain airily. “It ain't worth while. I can't let you claim all the virtues, something's due fallen humanity.”
“I have disposed of the tavern for Julia.” The lawyer was willing to change the subject.
“First the man of sentiment, now the man of affairs.” And Gibbs beamed upon him. “How much will it fetch?”
“Four thousand dollars. I have brought the papers for Julia to sign.”
The captain beamed upon him afresh.
“That's good; but before I forget it I want to tell you a thing or two that may be of use to you. You don't quite like me yet, but you'll like me better when you know me better, and meantime I am going to serve you in several ways, all touching this mission of yours. I happen to know a trader who is outfitting for Fort Bridger; I am going to introduce you to him and you can cross the plains with him. My advice is that you begin your search at Salt Lake; that knife was purchased of a freighter who was coming out, so Stephen must have reached Salt Lake, or some point near there. If he passed through the city he must have had dealings with the Mormons; you may find some one who will remember him.”