I dinna
ken what money they will gie me for the things; but, ye see,
whatever it be, Halcro, a third part of it will come to Hercus and
Rosson and yersel', to be divided among ye. Do ye agree to that?
Will ye trust me to transact the business for ye?"
"Oh, certainly, sir. But surely it's ower muckle trouble to put you
to?" I said.
"Trouble! Dinna think o' trouble, lad. Why, these auld coins and
things hae been mair pleasure to me than I can tell; for, look ye,
all the time I hae had the keeping o' them, I hae been studying
them; and--and, Halcro, I hae even written a little book about Jarl
Haffling's grave, and I shouldna be surprised though that book be
printed. Think o' that, lad! A book written by your ain dominie
printed! Nay, nay, Halcro, dinna speak o' trouble."
"And what is being done about Tom Kinlay, sir?" I asked.
"Weel, as to that, ye see, the lad has broken the law by
appropriating his part o' the treasure, and selling it. I can do
nothing mysel', beyond stating the nature o' his offence. The law
must tak' the matter into its own hands. Beyond a doubt it will do
so; and ye'll see, Halcro, that it was far better for you and the
other two lads to put the viking's treasure into my hands, instead
o' makin' fools o' yersels as Tom Kinlay has done."
"I am sure, sir, I am perfectly satisfied," I said.
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