Judy and her hopeful boy turned to the right about in double-quick time, and hurried down the avenue.
The next day Andy was duly installed into his office of stable-helper; and, as he was a good rider, he was soon made whipper-in to the hounds, for there was a want of such a functionary in the establishment; and Andy's boldness in this capacity soon made him a favourite with the squire, who was one of those rollicking boys on the pattern of the old school, who scorned the attentions of a regular valet, and let any one that chance threw in his way bring him his boots, or his hot water for shaving, or his coat, whenever it was brushed. One morning, Andy, who was very often the attendant on such occasions, came to his room with hot water. He tapped at the door.
"Who's that?" said the squire, who had just risen, and did not know but it might be one of the women servants.
"It's me, sir."
"Oh—Andy! Come in."
"Here's the hot water, sir," said Andy, bearing an enormous tin can.
"Why, what the d——l brings that enormous tin can here? You might as well bring the stable bucket."
"I beg your pardon, sir," said Andy, retreating. In two minutes more Andy came back, and, tapping at the door, put in his head cautiously, and said, "The maids in the kitchen, your honour, say's there's not so much hot water ready."
"Did I not see it a moment since in your hand?"
"Yes, sir; but that's not nigh the full o' the stable-bucket."