'No, he wouldn't have even that, I'm positive,' Mortimer said. 'I've tried a time or two myself, but he's choked me off jolly quickly.'
'Then what can I do, boy?' the father said helplessly. 'Believe me, I'm willing enough.'
'I know, I know, dad. All I want to ask you is to keep an eye on them, and if you can do them a turn, do it. The mother's coming from England in a month or so, and I'd give my head to be able to make the place look up a bit. Cameron and his boy are fairly killing themselves to do their best, but you can guess what their best is when there's only labour and not a sixpence to spend.'
'You leave it to me, leave it to me,' said Stevenson.
'And one other thing,' said Morty. 'Of course I won't, dad, but if I should come a cropper, will you let some of my share go to the little girl I wanted?'
'She shall have every penny of it,' cried the old man; 'hang me, it's the least I can do.'
They gripped hands.
'Good-night, boy!'
'Good-night, dad!'
CHAPTER XII