He gave me a keen look.
"You call me friend. Do you mean the word!"
"Why not?"
"I was your father's servant," he said, and he said it so that the words were at once proud and humble.
I caught his hand in mine.
"You were his friend, too; and who am I, an outlaw without name or fortune, to set myself above a man who has prospered like you through the diligence of his own hands and brains?"
Master Juggins drew a deep breath and wrung my hand hard.
"You'll do, lad," he said. "My help would have been yours on any terms. But you have made it a glad privilege for me to help you. Doubt not we shall find a way.
"Now get you to bed. I shall have somewhat to say to you on the morrow."