"Perhaps I dreamed that somebody told me Colonel Preston had left you five thousand dollars in his will."
"Are you jokin'? Is it true?" asked Andy, eagerly, something in the doctor's face telling him that he really meant what he said.
"Maybe I dreamed, too, that the colonel left your mother the house she used to live in."
"Is it true, doctor? Tell me, quick!" said Andy, trembling with excitement.
"Yes, my boy, it's all true, and I'm glad to be the first to congratulate you on your good fortune."
He held out his hand, which our hero seized, and then, unable to repress his exultation, threw up his cap to the ceiling and indulged in an extempore dance, the doctor meanwhile looking on with benevolent gratification.
"Excuse me, doctor; I couldn't help it," he panted.
"It's all right, Andy. Are you discouraged now?"
"Divil a bit, doctor. It's wild I am with joy."
"And you don't think of starving yet, eh, Andy?"