all the same, my turkey-cock! If I ever need your protection I'll be sure
to ask for it." He flicked the young face with his finger. "But you're
not to follow my example, mind. You've got to run straight. You're young
enough to make it worth while, and--I'll see you have a chance."

"But you'll keep me with you, sir," said Toby swiftly. "You'll keep
me--always--with you!"

"Ah!" Saltash's brows twisted oddly for a second. He seemed to ponder the
matter. "I can't say off-hand what I'm going to do with you," he said.
"You're--a bit of a problem, you know, Toby."

"Yes, sir. I know. I know." Toby's voice was quick with agitation. "But
you won't send me away from you! Promise you won't send me away!"

"Can't promise anything," said Saltash. "Look here! I think there's been
enough of this. You'd better go to bed."

But Toby was clinging fast to his hand. He spoke between quivering lips.
"Please, sir, you said you'd bought me body and soul. You can't mean to
chuck me away--after that! Please, sir, I'll do anything--anything under
the sun--for you. And you--you can kick me--do anything to me--and I'll
never say a word. I'm just yours--for as long as I live. Please,
sir--please, sir--don't send me away! I--I'd rather die than that."

He laid his head suddenly down upon the hand he held so tenaciously and
began to sob, fighting desperately to stifle all sound.

Saltash sat for a few moments in utter silence and immobility. Then,
abruptly, in a tense whisper, he spoke: