"You are getting a big fellow now, and I am going to speak very plainly to you; of course, you understand that this is in confidence; it is quite private." "Yes, father," I said sadly.
"Then you must understand that, though Jonas Uggleston is my tenant here, he is not a very satisfactory one, for there can be no doubt that he carries on rather a risky trade; but, so long as the authorities do not interfere with him, and he behaves himself, I am not going to take upon myself the task of being his judge." "No, father." "At the same time I cannot be intimate with him.

I don't like him, and I don't like the companions who come over from Stinchcombe to man his lugger, and I'll tell you why.

Do you know that, now this little mine is developing itself, I very often have blocks of silver here to a considerable amount." "I have often thought you must have, father." "You were quite right, and they are stored below this floor in a strong cellar cut and blasted out of the solid rock.

I have good doors and keys, and take every precaution; but at the same time I often feel that it is very unsafe, and of course I send it into town as often as I can." "But you don't think, father--" "That Jonas Uggleston would steal it?
I hope not, my boy; but at the same time I feel as if I ought not to expose myself to risks, and I prefer to keep Jonas Uggleston at the same distance as he has before stood.

We can be civil." "I'm sorry," I said.
"Sorry ?" "Yes, father," I replied, "because I like Bigley Uggleston." "So do I, my boy.