542



The Channings



  " Your refusal to satisfy me on this point, when we
previously spoke of it, tended to confirm my suspi-
cicns," continued Mr. Huntley. " I think you might
make a confidant of me, Hamish. That money could
not have dropped from the clouds; and I am sure you
possessed no funds of your own just then."
    But neither did I steal it. iMr. Huntley "-rais-
ing his eyes to that gentleman's face-" how closely
you must have watched me and my affairs !"
  Mr. Huntley drew in his lips. " Perhaps I had my
own motives for doing so, young sir."
    I earned the money," said Hamish, who probably
penetrated into Mr. Huntley's ' motives;' at any
rate, he hoped he did so. " I earned it fairly and
honourably, by my own private and special industry."
  Mr. Huntley opened his eyes. " Private and special
industry ! Have you turned shoemaker"
  " Not shoemaker," laughed    1-amish.  "Book-
maker. The truth is, Mr. Huntley-    But will you
promise to keep my secret"
  "Ay. Honour bright."
  " I don't want it to be known just yet. The truth
is, I have been doing some literary work. Martin
Pope got me an introduction to one of the London
editors, and I furnished some papers.  They were
approved of and inserted; but for the first I received
no pay. I threatened to strike, and then payment was
promised. The first instalment, I chiefly used to stop
my debts; the second and third to liquidate them.
That's where the money came from."
  Mr. Huntley stared at Hamish as if he could
scarcely take in the news. It was, however, only the
simple truth.  When Martin Pope paid a visit to
Hamish, one summer night, frightening Hamish and
Arthur, who dreaded it might be a less inoffensive
visitor; frightening Constance, for that matter, for
she heard more of their dread than was expedient; his
errand was to tell Hamish that he was to be paid for
his papers in future; that payment was to commence
forthwith. You may remember the evening, though
it is long ago. You may also remember Martin Pope's
coming hurriedly into the office in Guild Street, telling
Hamish some one was starting by the train; when