"It is good news, Sallie. My brother Sandy is come, and he has just given me fifteen thousand dollars; and there is a ten-dollar bill, dear lass, for we'll have a grand supper to-night, please God."
By and by they heard poor Sandy's weary footsteps on the stair, and Sallie said:
"Not a word, children. Let grandfather tell your father."
Davie went to meet him, and, before he spoke, Sandy saw, as Sallie had seen, that his father's countenance was changed, and that something wonderful had happened.
"What is the matter, father?"
"Fifteen thousand dollars is the matter, my boy; and peace and comfort and plenty, and decent clothes and school for the children, and a happy home for us all in some nice country place."
When Sandy heard this he kissed his father, and then covering his face with his hands, sobbed out:
"Thank God! thank God!"
It was late that night before either the children or the elders could go to sleep. Davie told them first of the farm that Sandy and he were going to buy together, and then he said to his son:
"Now, my dear lad, what think you is best for Sallie and the children?"