You represented him as refusing you his knife because he was unaccommodating and selfish, whereas it was only proper regard to the safety of his property.

What you said was calculated to make an unfavorable impression on my mind against him, and one which would have been unjust." Marco perceived that it was so, and was silent.
"I am sorry that your knife is rusty," resumed Forester.

"Perhaps I can get it open for you." "How ?" asked Marco.
"Why, I believe the best way is to soak the joint in oil.

The oil will insinuate itself into the joint, and then we can get hold of the blade with a pair of nippers, or something of the kind, and open it; and then, by working it to and fro a few times, the rust will work out, and the knife be as good as it was before.

If it is very rusty indeed, this plan will not answer." "What must be done in that case ?" asked Marco.
"The only way then is to carry it to some kind of smith and get him to punch out the rivet.