“Give him a trial, father,” said Gwyn, in answer to Joe’s appealing look.
“Do, sir. I’ve been out o’ work a long time, and it’s precious hard.”
“Go right away, and try somewhere else, my lad.”
“I have, sir,” said Dinass, imploringly. “I served you well, sir, and I will again.”
“I have no fault to find with your working, my man, but I cannot re-engage you.”
“Do, sir; it’s for your good. Do take me on, sir. I want to do what’s right. It is for your good, sir, indeed.”
The Colonel shook his head.
“No; I cannot alter my decision, my man,” said the Colonel. “Do as I said: go right away and get work; but I know it is hard upon a man to be out of work and penniless. You are a good hand, and ought not to be without a job for long, so in remembrance of what you did—”
“You’ll take me on, sir? I tell you it’s for your good.”
“No,” said the Colonel, sternly. “Gwyn, give this man a sovereign for his present necessities, and for the next few weeks, while he is seeking work, he can apply here for help, and you can pay him a pound a week. That will do.”