it nearly killed me, so I dropped it.

"You can mostly trust the man who wants to talk more than you do;

he'll make a safe mate -- or a good grindstone."

Smith scratched the nape of his neck and sat blinking at the fire,

with the puzzled expression of a woman pondering over a life-question

or the trimming of a hat. Steelman took his chin in his hand

and watched Smith thoughtfully.

"I -- I say, Steely," exclaimed Smith, suddenly, sitting up