"If I wished to be harsh, I might remind you that beggars cannot be choosers," said my uncle; "and as to managing your life, you have tried your own way already, and you see what you have made of it. You must now accept the guidance of those older and (whatever you may think of it) wiser than yourself. All these schemes of your friend (of whom I know nothing, by the by) and talk of openings in the West, I simply disregard. I have no idea whatever of your going troking across a continent on a wild-goose chase. In this situation, which I am fortunately able to place at your disposal, and which many a well-conducted young man would be glad to jump at, you will receive, to begin with, eighteen shillings a week." "Eighteen shillings a week!" I cried. "Why, my poor friend gave me more than that for nothing!" "And I think it is this very friend you are now trying to repay?" observed my uncle, with an air of one advancing a strong argument. "Aadam," said my grandfather. "I'm vexed you should be present at this business," quoth Uncle Adam, swinging rather obsequiously towards the stonemason; "but I must remind you it is of your own seeking." "Aadam!" repeated the old man. "Well, sir, I am listening," says my uncle. My grandfather took a puff or two in silence: and then, "Ye're makin' an awfu' poor appearance, Aadam," said he. My uncle visibly reared at the affront. "I'm sorry you should think so," said he, "and still more sorry you should say so before present company." "A believe that; A ken that, Aadam," returned old Loudon drily; "and the curiis thing is, I'm no very carin'.--See here, ma man," he continued, addressing himself to me. "A'm your grandfaither, amn't I not? Never you mind what Aadam says. A'll see justice dune ye. A'm rich." "Father," said Uncle Adam, "I would like one word with you in private." I rose to go. "Set down upon your hinderlands," cried my grandfather, almost savagely. "If Aadam has anything to say, let him say it. It's me that has the money here; and, by Gravy! I'm goin' to be obeyed." Upon this scurvy encouragement, it appeared that my uncle had no remark to offer: twice challenged to "speak out and be done with it," he twice sullenly declined; and I may mention that about this period of the engagement I began to be sorry for him.