He would have been glad to make a confidant of Mike, but the Irishman's obtuseness and inability to comprehend his tenderer sentiments, repulsed him, and drove him back upon himself.
Then came up the practical question concerning Mike's ability to draw the lumber for the new house.

Mike thought he could hire a horse for his keeping, and a sled for a small sum, that would enable him to double his facilities for doing the job; and then a price for the work was agreed upon.
The next morning, Jim and Mr.Benedict pursued their journey to the lumber-mill, and there spent the day in selecting their materials, and filling out their specifications.
The first person Mr.Benedict saw on entering the mill was a young man from Sevenoaks, whom he had known many years before.

He colored as if he had been detected in a crime, but the man gave him no sign that the recognition was mutual.

His old acquaintance had no memory of him, apparently; and then he realized the change that must have passed upon him during his long invalidism and his wonderful recovery.
They remained with the proprietor of the mill during the night.
"I jest call 'im Number Ten," said Jim, in response to the inquiries that were made of him concerning his companion, "He never telled me his name, an' I never axed 'im.

I'm 'Number Nine,' an' he's 'Number Ten,' and that's all thar is about it." Jim's oddities were known, and inquiries were pushed no further, though Jim gratuitously informed his host that the man had come into the woods to get well and was willing to work to fill up his time.
On the following morning, Jim proposed to Mr.Benedict to go on to Sevenoaks for the purchase of more tools, and the nails and hardware that would be necessary in finishing the house.