Your friends have been talking aboot the thing and wadn't like t' see you gan." He gave Railton the envelope, adding: "It's a loan." Railton's hand shook as he took out a bundle of bank-notes.

"You're good neebors," he said in a strained voice.

"But I dinna think I ought to tak' your money.

There's a risk." "Not much risk in backing an honest man," the other rejoined, and taking the notes from Railton gave them to Hayes.

"Noo, if you'll count these--" Hayes' face was inscrutable as he flicked over the notes.