"I can't do that," was the answer. "I fear it is not so much actual
sunshine that's to be seen yet--only its reflection. You could not see
it at all, Arthur; but I, as I tell you, am extravagantly hopeful."

The same ever-gay tone, the same pleasant smile, accompanied the words.
And yet, at that moment, instead of walking straightforward into the
open space beyond the elm-trees, as Arthur did, Hamish withdrew his arm
from his brother's, and halted under their shade, peering cautiously
around. They were then within view of their own door.

"What are you looking at?"

"To make sure that the coast is clear. I heard to-day--Arthur, I know
that I shall shock you--that a fellow had taken out a writ against me.
I don't want, to get it served, if I can help it."

Arthur was indeed shocked. "Oh, Hamish!" was all he uttered. But the
tone betrayed a strange amount of pain mingled with reproach.

"You must not think ill of me. I declare that I have been led into this
scrape blindfolded, as may be said. I never dreamt I was getting into
it. I am not reckless by nature; and, but for the expectation of that
money, I should be as free now as you are."

Thought upon thought was crowding into Arthur's mind. He did not speak.

"I cannot charge myself with any foolish or unnecessary expenditure,"
Hamish resumed. "And," he added in a deeper tone, "my worst enemy will
not accuse me of rashly incurring debts to gratify my own pleasures. I