Then Sinclair spoke up.
"Do you mean, Doctor, to remove Mr. Macgregor from us? That would seem
to be very hard upon this field."
"Well, perhaps not; but can you spare him for six months, at least?"
For some minutes no one made reply. Then Ike spoke.
"Well, I surmise we got a good deal from our Prospector. In fact, what
we aint got from him don't count much. And I rather opine that we can't
be mean about this. It's a little like pullin' hair, but I reckon we'd
better give him up."
"Thank you, sir," said the Superintendent, who had learned much from
Ike throughout the day. "Your words are the best commentary I have ever
heard upon a saying of our Lord's, that has inspired men to all
unselfish living, 'Freely ye have received, freely give.'"