"But I can't."
"The Lord preserve's! What's to be dune? I hae bit thirty poun' hained (saved) up i' my kist. That wadna gang far."
"No, no, James," returned his mistress. "I am not going to take your money to pay Mr Bruce."
"He's an awfu' cratur that, mem. He wad tak the win'in' sheet aff o' the deid."
"Well, I must see what can be done. I'll go and consult Mr Gibb."
James took his leave, dejected on his mistress's account, and on his own. As he went out, he met Annie.
"Eh, Annie!" he said; "this is awfu'."
"What's the matter, Dooie?"
"That schochlin' (waddling, mean) cratur, Bruce, is mintin' (threatening) at roupin' the mistress for a wheen siller she's aucht him."
"He daurna!" exclaimed Annie.