Anxious to break through it, he said abruptly, "Hoo's yer immortal pairt, Alec?
Min' ye, there's a knowledge that worketh deith." Alec laughed--not scornfully--but he laughed.
"Ye may lauch, Alec, but it's a sair trowth," said the mason.
Alec held out his hand, for here their way diverged.

Thomas shook it kindly, but walked away gloomy.

Arrived at home, he shut to his door, and went down on his knees by his bedside.

When Jean came with his supper she found the door fast.
In order to prepare for the mathematical studies of the following year, Alec went to the school again in the morning of most days, Mr Malison being well able to render him all the assistance he required.

The first time he made his appearance at the door, a silence as of death was the sign of his welcome; but a tumult presently arose, and discipline was for a time suspended.