“Alf and I talked it over as we walked down to the docks. I told him I was sick of Uncle Jothan’s nagging. I wished he’d pick the one he wanted and close the discussion. I believed the price we’d have to pay for his money was too great, anyway.
“‘But money’s a good thing,’ says Alf. ‘And Uncle Jothan has got a good deal of it.’
“‘I believe too much money spoils folks, Alf,’ says I.
“‘We could stand some spoiling,’ he returns, laughing.
“‘Look at uncle himself,’ says I. ‘He’s spoiled.’
“‘I’m not afraid of being spoiled by it,’ says Alf.
“‘I believe it would hurt you as quick as anybody,’ I told him. And that riled him, though I had no thought that it would.
“‘Speak for yourself, Jim,’ says he. ‘Money’s worth going after.’
“‘We’ve had everything equal so far, Alf,’ says I. ‘I’m not hungry for his money.’
“‘And I suppose you think I am?’ and then I saw he was miffed.