"He wants a chance to earn some money in a hurry so that he can go to
college. He's determined to get an education, but the money isn't
forthcoming."

"Well, if I should see him through----"

Monteith shook his head smilingly. "He wouldn't accept it. You must
remember, the boy has the real old Highland pride. No, give him some
position where he can earn some money, or think he is earning it, in a
short time."

"You're a Jew at a bargain, Archie Monteith, and a Scotch Jew, at that,
which is the worst kind. What sort of aptitude would he have for
figures?"

"He seems to display a special aptitude for almost anything he
undertakes."

"Well,--I might,--pshaw, why not? Eleanor needn't know. There's Raye
& Hemming. They want a young man in their office. It means a
responsible position, though, Archie, with good pay, and I'm depending
entirely upon your recommendation. He ought to know something about
lumber surely."

"Raye & Hemming!" Monteith started. "I'd be delighted to see the boy
get such a good opportunity, but the name of that particular lumber
company isn't absolutely synonymous with fair-dealing. Remember,
Ralph's been very strictly brought up, Captain."

"Pshaw, they're supposed to muddle a little with politics, but what's
the difference? If your paragon is so squeamish you'd better keep him
in the bush. I can't think of anything else I could do for him half so
good. Those fellows are sharp, I'll admit, but they know how to make
money."

Monteith considered for a moment, then stood up and held out his hand.
"I knew you would do the square thing, Captain," he said heartily.

"Well, to be honest, I confess I'm not entirely disinterested. That
young Carruthers the Grits are bringing out will be sure to rake up
this story if I run next fall; and those MacDonalds are double-dyed
Grits already. I don't want to give them a handle against me. Young
Stanwell will make a better friend than an enemy. I can clear my
tender conscience and get him out of the road, and save myself a great
deal of future trouble all in one stroke. So there you are, you see."

Monteith laughed. There was something irresistible about the candour
of the man.

"He certainly is an Irishman all through," was the Scotchman's mental
comment.

"And by the way, Archie, does he know anything about this?"

"Not a word. Big Malcolm never told anybody, I fancy. That's a
gentleman for you!"

Captain Herbert looked sl