ever so. I didn't at first, because you seemed such a coward."

"I suppose I am," sighed Max.

"That you're not; and I'd pitch anybody overboard who said so. You were
all strange to us and our ways when you came down; but you're as full of
pluck underneath, though you don't show it outside, as any fellow I ever
knew."

Max shook his head again.

"But I say you are. Don't contradict, or I'll hit you, and then
there'll be a fight. Now, I say, look here! I couldn't help my father
borrowing money of your father?"

"No, of course not."

"And you couldn't help your father wanting it back?"

"No, no. Don't talk about it, please."

"Yes, I shall, because I must. Look ye here, Maxy, if we can't help it,
and we like one another, why shouldn't we still be the best of friends?"

Max stared at him.

"Would you be friends?" he said at last.

"I should think I will--that is, if you'll be friends with such a poor
beggar as I shall be now."

Max gripped his hand, and the two lads were in that attitude when The
Mackhai suddenly entered the room.

Max drew in his breath sharply, as if in pain, and lay back gazing at
his host, who came forward and shook hands, before seating himself at
the bedside.

It was not the first meeting by several, during which Max had been
treated with a kindness and deference which showed his host's anxiety to
efface the past.

"Come, this is better," he said cheerily. "Why, I should say you could
get up now?"

"Yes, sir; that is what I have been telling your son," said Max hastily.

"Yes, father; he wants to get up and rush off at once; and I tell him
it's all nonsense, and that he is to stay!"

The Mackhai was silent for a few moments, as he sat struggling with his
pride, and, as he saw Max watching him eagerly, he coloured.

The gentleman triumphed, and he said quietly and gravely,--

"My dear boy, I want you to try and forget what passed the other night,
when, stung almost beyond endurance, I said words to you that no
gentleman ought to have spoken toward one who was his guest, and more
than guest, the companion and friend of his son. There, I apologise to
you humbly. Will you forgive me?"

"Mr Mackhai!" cried Max, in a choking voice, as he seized the hand
extended to him.

"Hah! that is frank and natural, my lad. Thank you. Now, shall we
forget the past?"

Max nodded, but he could not trust himself to speak, while Kenneth ran
round to the other side of the bed.