CHAPTER XI
THE CLERK OF THE COURT KEEPS A PROMISE
"Well, what is it, M'sieu' Fille? What do you want with me? I've got a
lot to do before sundown, and it isn't far off. Out with it."
George Masson was in no good humour; from the look on the face of the
little Clerk of the Court he had no idea that he would disclose any good
news. It was probably some stupid business about "money not being paid
into the Court," which had been left over from cases tried and lost;
and he had had a number of cases that summer. His head was not so clear
to-day as usual, but he had had little difficulties with M'sieu' Fille
before, and he was sure that there was something wrong now.
"Do you want to make me a present?" he added with humorous impatience,
for though he was not in a good temper, he liked the Clerk of the Court,
who was such a figure at Vilray.
The opening for his purpose did not escape M. Fille. He had been at a
loss to begin, but here was a natural opportunity for him.
"Well, good advice is not always a present, but I should like mine to be
taken as such, monsieur," he said a little oracularly.
"Oh, advice--to give me advice--that's why you've brought me in here,
when I've so much to do I can't breathe! Time is money with me, old
'un.
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