"I'd hardly have known you, Creggan."
"Nor I you. But explain, my boy. Why all this extensive rig-out—the top hat, the morning coat, the trousers instead of the kilt? Why all this thusness? Anybody left you a fortune, Archie?"
"No, no! I've lots of money, though," laughed Archie. "I've taken a small farm for mother and Kory, and they live in a red stone house, and have horses, cows, and sheep."
"But—"
"I'll tell you in a minute. You'll mind our games of draughts with the bits of carrot and parsnip for men?"
"Indeed I do."
"Well, a draught-player in Edinburgh challenged all Scotland for £20 to play with him. After you left I often played wi' Tomnahurich. He plays well, but though I took off men of my own, I very soon whipped off all his.
"'You'll go down to Edinburgh,' he said, 'and beat this boasting fellow. I'll lend you the money.'
"'But,' says I, 'suppose I lose it?'
"'Never mind,' says he. 'Off you go.'