Derrick smiled. “We haven’t discussed the matter of wages yet.” He was wondering whether the rate of pay meant as little to this man as it had to Perkins. “What I’m going to offer won’t seem much to one who has knocked about the world as much as yourself. It’s not a case of American wages.”
“I’m not worrying about wages, sir. It doesn’t take much to keep me going, and I’ve never had a drink in my life. It’s the old job I’m after.”
“Then what do you say to thirty shillings a week and the cottage.”
“That’s fair enough,” said Martin eagerly.
“By the way, I take it you’re not married?”
“I haven’t any wife now,” he stammered after a poignant pause.
“Sorry, Martin, I didn’t mean to hurt you. Any children?”
“No, sir.” The tanned face was calm again.
“Then I suppose you can begin to-morrow?”
“I’m ready for that.” Martin fingered his cap. “Might I sleep in the cottage to-night, sir? I’ve got my bundle outside.”