In the present days he might have been a hot radical, even a socialist; but things were not come to that pass yet among people brought up to their duty.

And Dan's free sentiments had not been worked by those who make a trade of such work now.

So that he was pleased and respectful, instead of carping and contradictory, when persons of higher position than his own would discuss the condition of the times with him.

Carne had discovered this, although as a rule he said little to his neighbours, and for reasons of his own he was striving to get a good hold upon this young fellow.
He knew that it could not be done in a moment, nor by any common corruption; the mind of the youth being keen, clear-sighted, and simple--by reason of soundness.

Then Carne accidentally heard of something, which encouraged and helped him in his design upon Dan.
Business was slack upon the sea just now, but unusually active upon land, a tide of gold having flowed into Springhaven, and bubbled up in frying-pans and sparkled in new bonnets.