Stephen flushed deeply, in the sudden way that people do who are in a very weak state, but he made no answer.
"I can put you in the way of earning an extra pound, if you like," said Timothy carelessly.
"Oh, how—how?" cried Stephen with sudden animation, clutching at Timothy in his eagerness, and then holding on to him to keep himself from falling.
"There—don't go and faint over it," said Timothy, pushing him off; "and don't throttle a man either for doing you a good turn. That ain't no encouragement. What I mean is, that I've a rather partic'lar engagement to-morrow night, and for several nights to come—in fact, till next Friday—and I want to get some one to take my place at the mill."
"But will Mr. Munster let any one else come?"
"I ain't a-going to ask him. It don't matter to him who's there, so long as there is some one to look after the premises. I'm going to put in my own man; and you can have the job if you like, and take two-thirds o' my pay—that's twenty shillings. I shall be back by three or four o'clock in the morning, so as to give you time for a nap before your own work begins. But if you ain't feeling up to the double work, just say so. Now I look at you, I have my doubts, and it won't do for you to go falling off asleep, or fainting, mind. What d'you say to it?"
"I could do it—I'm sure I could. I wouldn't go to sleep—I promise you I wouldn't. The only thing is, I should like—I think—if you say it won't matter—yes, I really should like—"
"Have it out, and have done with it, and don't stand spluttering there like a water-pipe gone wrong. Will you do it, or not?"
"Yes," said Stephen, in a low voice.
"Then mind, you ain't to say a word about it to any one—not as there's any harm in it, but I don't want the foreman to hear of it sideways. I shall come here as usual at six o'clock, and if you'll come up about seven—it's pretty near dark by then—I'll let you in, and be off myself."