“What’s cheap?”
“Why, happiness. I’ve made them there kids as happy as sandboys with sixpence. It seems to me they have often got a lot more sense that way than when they grow up.”
“I’m in a bother again, Sam.”
“I thought as much. You can most of you find me out when trouble comes along. What’s the matter this time?”
And then Alec told the history of the previous night.
“It’s the girl again,” said Sam, after he had patiently listened to Alec. “I told you she would breed mischief. You are young and foolish like the rest of them, and take no notice.”
“You don’t mean to say that Bertha caused me to be thrown in the harbour?”
“Of course I don’t! But some one who is after her did the trick right enough. And a very nice little job it was, too. He must be a fellow of talent. And it was only a fluke it did not come off. He must be a real smart bloke, and no mistake. If he tries it on again I would not care to insure your life. Very neat, very neat; and not a trace to track him by. Really, I give him credit. I could not have done better myself!”
“He’s a clever scoundrel, there’s no doubt; but the question is, ‘What am I to do?’ Am I to sit quiet till he makes another shot?”
“Why can’t you leave the girls alone? I tell you they will ruin you sooner or later. Or, if you must mix yourself up, why not marry this Bertha right away, and done with it? While she’s single there will always be strays browsing round after her. Put the hobbles on, man, and get her broken in to double harness, and if this attentive friend of yours is only half as smart as he appears to be, he will quit.”