"Then I will give ye five minutes; but it may help ye to decide if I explain why ye took a risk. Ye're maybe aware that there's legislation about a minor's debts."
"Dick Johnstone would not make that excuse for disowning his obligations."
"I'm no' sure ye would have to deal with him," said Mackellar meaningly. "Dick has no doubt been borrowing money on promises to pay when Appleyard is his. Weel, it's no' certain that he'll live until he gets possession."
"Nor may the lenders, for that matter!"
"Verra true," Mackellar agreed. "For a' that, the chances against Dick's reaching twenty-one are greater than usual. It seems ye do not know that two doctors would not pass him for the army."
"On what grounds?" Williamson asked with some sharpness.
"A weak heart that might stop the first time he was over-excited or over-exerted himself."
Williamson was silent for some moments. He knew Dick was not strong; but Staffer, who must have known the truth, had not told him how grave the danger was.
"Still, suppose the worst happened. The new owner would not repudiate his kinsman's debts."
"Who do ye take the heir to be?"