The young man pushed his cap a trifle sideways this time, and flushed a little.
"Well, when an American wants anything he generally reaches out for it." "Wasn't it rather--rash, considering the fifteen per ?" Mount Dunstan suggested.

He was really beginning to enjoy himself.
"What's the use of making a dollar and sitting on it.

I've not got fifteen per--steady--and here I am." Mount Dunstan knew his man, and looked at him with inquiring interest.
He was quite sure he would go on.

This was a thing he had seen before--an utter freedom from the insular grudging reserve, a sort of occult perception of the presence of friendly sympathy, and an ingenuous readiness to meet it half way.

The youngster, having missed his fellow-traveler, and probably feeling the lack of companionship in his country rides, was in the mood for self-revelation.
"I'm selling for a big concern," he said, "and I've got a first-class article to carry.