"I accept of the woman, but before the gold crosses my palm, I must know that it was—"
Smith hesitated, for he did not like to wound the old man's feelings.
"You would say honestly," cried the stockman, looking Smith full in the face with his calm, gray eyes. "I like you better for your reluctance to receive a portion with your wife until you know that you can use it with honor. Be assured that you can do so."
"Convince me of the fact by relating how it came into your possession, and I am satisfied," returned Smith.
"O James, James, have mercy," murmured the distressed daughter, who was a witness of the scene.
The sturdy Smith resisted her appeal, and did not withdraw his eyes from the face of the stockman, who seemed slightly discomposed at the pertinacity of his intended son-in-law.
The old man hesitated and muttered to himself, and at length appeared to recover sufficient confidence to speak.
"Will all three of you solemnly promise me that you will not divulge the secret which I am about to impart?" he demanded.
"We will readily give our consent, because we have fought too many battles, side by side, to injure a friend, even if he has been guilty of imprudence," he replied.
"And will you also promise not to interfere with my plans, and demand to share my profits?" he asked.