The old cake woman who had previously supplied the boys still came
once a week, her usual time being Wednesday evening, when, after
tea, the boys played for half an hour in the yard before going in
to their usual lessons. Ned was not usually present, but he one
evening went back to fetch a book which he needed. As he came in
at the gate of the yard Mather was speaking to the woman.

"No, I won't let you have any more, Master Mather. You have broken
your promises to me over and over again. That money you owed me
last half ain't been paid yet. If it had only been the money for
the cakes and sweets I shouldn't ha' minded so much, but it's that
ten shillings you borrowed and promised me solemn you would pay at
the end of the week and ain't never paid yet. I have got to make
up my rent, and I tell ye if I don't get the money by Saturday
I shall speak to t' maister about it and see what he says to such
goings on."

"Don't talk so loud," Mather said hurriedly, "and I will get you
the money as seen as I can."

"I don't care who hears me," the woman replied in a still louder
voice, "and as soon as you can won't do for I. I have got to have
it on Saturday, so that's flat. I will come up to the field, and
you'll best have it ready for me."

Ned did not hear the last few words, but he had heard enough to
know that Mather owed ten shillings which he had borrowed, besides
a bill for cakes. Mather had not noticed him come into the yard,
for his back was toward the gate, and the noise which the boys made