“And how would that thing be done?”
The man spoke with flashing eyes and parted lips, the breath coming swift. Andrew Blair looked at him suspiciously; and hesitated, before, in a cold voice, he spoke again.
“That is all folly, I am thinking, Macallum. Maybe it is all folly, the whole of it. But, see here, I have no time to be talking with you. If you will take the bread and the water you shall have a good meal if you want it, and … and … yes, look you, my man, I will be giving you a shilling too, for luck.”
“I will have no meal in this house, Anndra-mhic-Adam; nor will I do this thing unless you will be giving me two silver half-crowns. That is the sum I must have, or no other.”
“Two half-crowns! Why, man, for one half-crown …”
“Then be eating the sins o’ your father yourself, Andrew Blair! It is going I am.”
“Stop, man! Stop, Macallum. See here: I will be giving you what you ask.”
“So be it. Is the … Are you ready?”
“Ay, come this way.”