Willie's Nest in the Ruins. 125

 

called again later in the evening; and they hada
long talk together—to the following effect.

Spelman having set forth his scheme, and the
doctor having listened in silence until he had
finished—

“ But,” said Mr Macmichael, “ that will cost a.
good deal, I fear, and I have no money to spare.”

“Mr Macmichael,” said Spelman solemnly, his
long face looking as if some awful doom were
about to issue from the middle of it, “you forget
how much I am in your debt.”

“No, I don’t,” returned the doctor. “But neither
do I forget that it takes all your time and labour
to provide for your family ; and what will become
of them if you set about this job, with no return in
prospect but the satisfaction of clearing off of an
old debt?”

“It is very good of you, sir, to think of that,”
said the carpenter; “but, begging your pardon,
I’ve thought of it too. Many’s the time you’ve
come after what I’d ha’ called work hours to see
my wife—yes, in the middle of the night, more
than once or twice; and why shouldn’t I do the
same? Look ye here, sir. If you’re not in a
main hurry, an’ ’ll give me time, I'll do the heavy
work o’ this job after six o’clock o’ the summer
nights, with Sandy to help me, and I’ll charge you
no more than a journeyman’s wages by the hour.
And what Willie and Sandy can do by themselves