"It was a shilling and two pence," said Vara.
"Out with it or I'll go through you!" said the minister. And the thick stick again hovered an ultimatum.
So Vara got her money, and without even a parting curse the cowed and frightened rascal took himself off down the road at a slow trot, keeping his eyes on the ground all the way.
Vara was left alone with her knight of the soft hat.
ADVENTURE XXXVI.
THE MADNESS OF HUGH BOY.
The young minister put out his hand to Vara and the two walked quietly back to where Boy Hugh was kneeling on the grass, and baby Gavin was sitting grasping a dandelion with one hand and looking with wide deep-set eyes of philosophic calm upon the world.
"Tell me all about it," said her champion. And Vara told the tale with her heart again beginning to beat with terror. "But how is it that you are here?" said he. And Vara explained as much as she could.
"To look for your father in Liverpool?" he said. "It is a long, sad way—a terrible journey." He mused.