the first to assist in it, am the least likely to do so. I don't know
how I managed to get into debt," mused Hamish. "It came upon me
imperceptibly; it did, indeed. I depended so entirely upon that money
falling to us, that I grew careless, and would often order things which
I was not in need of. Arthur, since that news came, I have felt
overwhelmed with worry and botheration."

"I wish you were free!"

"If wishes were horses, we should all be on horseback. How debts grow
upon you!" Hamish continued, changing his light tone for a graver one.
"Until within the last day or two, when I have thought it necessary to
take stock of outstanding claims, I had no idea I owed half so much."

"What shall you do about it?"

"That is more easily asked than answered. My own funds are forestalled
for some time to come. And, the worst is, that, now this suit is known
to have terminated against us, people are not so willing to wait as
they were before. I have had no end of them after me to-day."

"How shall you contrive to satisfy them?"

"Satisfy them in some way, I must."

"But how, I ask, Hamish?"

"Rob some bank or other," replied Hamish, in his off-hand, joking way.

"Shall you speak to my father?"