“I was not very much better myself,” said Archie. “I can feel for him, Roderick.”
“Oh you,” said the gamekeeper. It was his young master he was speaking to, and that has a wonderfully mollifying influence. “You were maybe no to call experienced, but you were neither frightened for your gun nor sweerd to use her. Keep you to that side, Mr. Airchie, and if the other gentleman gets it, it’s just his ain friend, and he maun bear the brunt.”
“I thought you liked Mr. Saumarez, Roderick.”
“So I do like him, though he has an awfu’ funny name. He has a good eye for a bird, and will make a fine shot when he’s come to his prime, and just makes you lose your manners with his fun and nonsense. But if he brings out a stick like this upon the moor, he must just rin the risk of him. Come you, Mr. Airchie, to this side.”
Eddy, on his hand, had something to say to his guest. “Have you got me that thing?” he said.
“They won’t give it up till they see the money, Master Eddy. I’ve told you so before.”
“Very well, Johnson. I have an invitation for you, in my pocket, to the ball—and I have a cheque in my pocket, which is better than money. You shall neither have the one nor the other till I have that paper in my own hands.”
“Give and take then, Master Eddy,” said the other.
“You ass, keep down the muzzle of your gun! No. I must have it in my hands to see it’s all right before I let you touch the other. Oh, just as you please! but that’s my last word.”
“You don’t suppose I carry it about in my pocket,” said Johnson.