Page 90 - The snake's pass

" —
78 : THE snake's pass.
thing in which they have a part ; but when I bring with
me a friend, but for whom I shouldn't have been here at
all—for I couldn't have walked—I expect that neither
he nor I shall be insulted. For two pins I'd not set
foot on your dirty ground again !
Here Murdock interrupted him :
" Aisy now ye're undher agreement to me an* I
! ;
hould ye to it."
" So you can, you miserable scoundrel, because you
know I shall keep my word ; but remember that I expect
proper treatment ; and remember, too, that if I want an
assistant I am to have one."
Again Murdock interrupted—but this time much more
soothingly
" Aisy Aisy ! haven't I done every livin' thing ye
!
wanted—and helped ye meself every time ? Sure arn't
"
I yer assistant ?
"Yes, because you— you wanted to get something, and
couldn't do without me. And mind this ! you can't do
without me yet. But be so good as to remember that I
choose my own assistant ; and I shall not choose you
unless I like. You can keep me here, and pay me for
staying as we agreed; but don't you think that I could
"
fool you if I would P
"
" Ye wouldn't do that, I know—an' me thrusted ye !
" You trusted me ! you miserable wretch — yes ! you
trusted me by a deed, signed, sealed, and delivered. I
don't owe you anything for that."
"Mr. Sutherland, sir! ye're too sharp wid me. Yer