A New Scheme. 121

 

“Surely,” he said to himself, “those ruins, which
once held so many monks, might manage even yet
to find room for me!”

He went wandering about amongst them, like
an undecided young bird looking for the very best
possible spot to build its nest in. The spot Willie
sought was that which would require the least
labour and least material to make it into a room.

Before he heard the voice of Tibby, calling
him to come to his porridge, he had fixed upon
one; and in the following chapter I will tell you
what led him to choose it. All the time between
morning and afternoon school, he: spent in the
same place; and when he came home in the even-
ing, he was accompanied by Mr Spelman, who
went with him straight to the ruins, There they
were a good while together; and when Willie at
length came in, his mother saw that his face was
more than usually radiant, and was certain he had
some new scheme or other in his head.