"When are they to build the lighthouse?" he asked.
"After the spring tides," said Michael.
They were about midway between the pier and the brig when Stephen rested his scull under his arm and drew something from one of his pockets.
"This is the money," he said, and he held out a bag towards Michael Sunlocks.
"No," said Michael, and he drew quickly back.
There was a moment's silence, and then Michael added, more softly:—
"I mean, father, that I have enough already. Mr. Fairbrother gave me some. It was fifty pounds."
Stephen Orry turned his head aside and looked over the dark water. Then he said:—
"I suppose that was so that you wouldn't need to touch money same as mine."
Michael's heart smote him. "Father," he said, "how much is it?"