"Then we dinna want the likes o' him here!" said the woman, half turning on her heel with a certain dark contempt.
"But my name is Cecilia Tennant of Glenleven Road, and I am quite willing to give security for the boy—to a reasonable amount, that is——" continued Celie, who had a practical mind and much miniature dignity.
"Will ye leave the money?" asked the woman, as if a thought struck her.
"Certainly not," replied Celie, "but I will write you a line stating that I hold myself responsible for anything he is proved guilty of stealing, to the extent of ten pounds."
It was thus that Cleg Kelly became newsboy and general assistant to Mistress Roy and her husband at Roy's corner.
As Celie went out, she heard Mr. Roy stretching himself and yawning, as though awakening out of a deep sleep.
"Wha's that ye hae had in?" he inquired pleasantly.
"What business is that o' yours, ye muckle slabber?" returned his wife with instant aggression.
And the cockroaches continue to rustle all the time beneath the carpet of old newspapers.