For a time the road ran southward beside the sparkling stream, and then wound round wide curves where woods rolled down the hollows of the hills, until, as they turned a corner, Galashield's factory chimneys rose about the waterside, and a haze of smoke floated across the valley. Staffer reduced speed as they ran in among the houses, and drove very slowly when they reached a sharp bend near the station.
"I want some oil," he said. "We'll stop here and get a tin."
He pulled up in front of a big red hotel, and they went into the smoking-room.
Williamson walked over to the fire.
"It's a cold day for driving, and I don't think I'll go any farther," he remarked. "I want a few things that I can buy in the town, and I'll go on by the afternoon train."
"As you like," said Staffer. "Your place is off our way."
When Williamson left them, Dick turned to Staffer.
"I wonder if you would lend me a pound or two?" he asked.
"I might take the risk; but why do you want it?"
"Well," Dick said apologetically, "it's difficult to bring much money back when you go to Edinburgh; and if you don't mind I'll stop here. If Andrew and Whitney aren't in the neighborhood, I'll come on by train, but I expect to find them at Melrose or Abbotsford. You see, I felt rather shabby about leaving on the day they were coming home."