“Well, fifty pounds is not a large sum. Though, of course, we estimate sums, like other things, by comparison. You can understand now, why I was not sanguine with regard to Constance’s hopeful project of helping my father to get to the German baths. I, the eldest, who ought to be 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?” “Where’s the use?” returned Hamish. “He cannot help me just now; he is straitened enough himself.” “He might help you with advice. His experience is larger than yours, his judgment better. ‘In the multitude of counsellors there is safety,’ you know, Hamish.” “I have made up my mind to say nothing to my father. If he could assist me, I would disclose all to him: as it is, it would only be inflicting upon him unnecessary pain. Understand, Arthur, what I have said to you is in confidence: you must not speak of it to him.” “Of course not. I should not think of interfering between you and him. I wish I could help you!” “I wish you could, old fellow. But you need not look so serious.” “How you can be so gay and careless over it, I cannot imagine,” said Arthur. Hamish laughed. “If there’s only a little patch of sunshine as large as a man’s hand, I am sure to see it and trust to it.” “Is there any sunshine in this?” “A little bit: and I hope it will help me out of it. I am sure I was born with a large share of hope in my composition.” “Show me the bit of sunshine, Hamish.” “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.”