"The best of care, sir," said the mother; while the miller who was standing behind the squire, waiting for orders, made a grimace at Andy, who was obliged to cram his face into his hat to hide the laugh, which he could hardly smother from being heard, as well as seen. "Let him come, then, and help in the stables, and we'll see what we can do." "May the Lord----" "That'll do--there, now go." "Oh, sure, but I'll pray for you, and----" "Will you go?" "And may the angels make your honour's bed this blessed night, I pray." "If you don't go, your son shan't come." Judy and her hopeful boy turned to the right about in double-quick time, and hurried down the avenue. The next day Andy was duly installed into his office of stable-helper; and, as he was a good rider, he was soon made whipper-in to the hounds, for there was a want of such a functionary in the establishment; and Andy's boldness in this capacity soon made him a favourite with the squire, who was one of those rollicking boys on the pattern of the old school, who scorned the attentions of a regular valet, and let any one that chance threw in his way bring him his boots, or his hot water for shaving, or his coat, whenever it _was_ brushed. One morning, Andy, who was very often the attendant on such occasions, came to his room with hot water. He tapped at the door. "Who's that?" said the squire, who had just risen, and did not know but it might be one of the women servants. "It's me, sir." "Oh--Andy! Come in." "Here's the hot water, sir," said Andy, bearing an enormous tin can. "Why, what the d----l brings that enormous tin can here? You might as well bring the stable bucket." "I beg your pardon, sir," said Andy, retreating. In two minutes more Andy came back, and, tapping at the door, put in his head cautiously, and said, "The maids in the kitchen, your honour, say's there's not so much hot water ready." "Did I not see it a moment since in your hand?" "Yes, sir; but that's not nigh the full o' the stable-bucket." "Go along, you stupid thief! and get me some hot water directly." "Will the can do, sir?" "Ay, anything, so you make haste." Off posted Andy, and back he came with the can. "Where'll I put it sir?" "Throw this out," said the squire, handing Andy a jug containing some cold water, meaning the jug to be replenished with the hot. Andy took the jug, and the window of the room being open, he very deliberately threw the jug out. The squire stared with wonder, and at last said-- "What did you do that for?" "Sure you _towld_ me to throw it out, sir." "Go out of this, you thick-headed villain!" said the squire, throwing his boots at Andy's head, along with some very neat curses. Andy retreated, and thought himself a very ill-used person.