“Partner,” said Wegg, even more insinuatingly than before, “I propose that we cut it in half, and each keep a half.”

Venus shook his shock of hair, as he replied, “It wouldn’t do to mutilate it, partner. It might seem to be cancelled.”

“Partner,” said Wegg, after a silence, during which they had contemplated one another, “don’t your speaking countenance say that you’re a-going to suggest a middle course?”

Venus shook his shock of hair as he replied, “Partner, you have kept this paper from me once. You shall never keep it from me again. I offer you the box and the label to take care of, but I’ll take care of the paper.”

Silas hesitated a little longer, and then suddenly releasing his corner, and resuming his buoyant and benignant tone, exclaimed, “What’s life without trustfulness! What’s a fellow-man without honour! You’re welcome to it, partner, in a spirit of trust and confidence.”