My garments, Euan, are like to fall from me if these green cockspur thorns give way." "But, Lois," I said, "I have brought you money!" And I fished from any hunting shirt a great, thick packet of those poor paper dollars, now in such contempt that scarce five hundred of them counted for a dozen good, hard shillings.
"What are you doing ?" she said, so coldly that I ceased counting the little squares of currency and looked up at her surprised.
"I am sharing my pay with you," said I."I have no silver--only these." "I can not take--money!" "What ?" "Did you suppose I could ?" "Comrades have a common purse; Why not ?" For a few moments her face wore the same strange expression, then, of a sudden her eyes filled and closed convulsively, and she turned her head, motioning me to leave her.
"Will you not share with me ?" I asked, very hot about the ears.
She shook her head and I saw her shoulders heave once or twice.
"Lois," I said gravely, "did you fear I hoped for some--reward?
Child--little comrade--only the happiness of aiding you is what I ask for.

Share with me then, I beg you.

I am not poor." "No--I can not, Euan," she answered in a stifled voice.

"Is there any shame to you in sharing with me ?" "Wait," she whispered.

"Wait till you hear.