'I ask you seriously, Nance.

We are not always childish when we seem so.' She drew a little nearer.
'Now,' said he, 'you see these two channels--choose one.' 'I'll choose the nearest, to save time,' said Nance.
'Well, that shall be for action,' returned Mr.Archer.

'And since I wish to have the odds against me, not only the other channel but yon stagnant water in the midst shall be for lying still.

You see this ?' he continued, pulling up a withered rush.

'I break it in three.