JULY NIGHT AT GRIMSTONE
75
"That'll no hurt me," said Newbigging, stretching. "I like sleepin' in the open."
"Just the same, I think you should have a drop of something to warm you."
"Weel—it micht be safer."
They went around to the side and quietly entered the dining room. From the cupboard beneath the stairs Derek got a bottle of Canadian Rye and poured Newbigging a glass.
"Your health and very good fortune, sir." He stood with one hand on the back of a chair while he drank, then carefully set the empty glass on the table.
"Mr. Vale," he said, with his bright, blue eyes on Derek's face, "if it wasn't for a few things—why—life wouldn't be worth livin'."
