“What will we do?” thought Andy, as he walked slowly and silently along the road.

He felt the need of consulting somebody older and more experienced than himself.  Just in the nick of time he met Dr. Townley, in whose friendship he felt confidence.

“Can you stop a minute, Dr. Townley?” he said.  “I want to speak to you about something.”

“I can spare two minutes, if you like, Andy,” said the doctor, smiling.

Andy explained the case.

“It is quite true,” said the doctor.  “Colonel Preston intended your mother to pay no rent—­he told me so himself; but, as your mother has no written proof, I suppose you will have to pay it.  Shall I lend you the money?”

“No need, doctor.  We’ve got money enough for that.  But we must move out in three days.  Where shall we go?”

“I’ll tell you.  I own the small house occupied by Grant Melton.  He sets out for the West to-morrow, with his family.  I’ll let it to your mother for the same rent she’s been paying.”

“Thank you,” said Andy, gratefully.  “It’s better than the house we’ve been living in.  It’s a good change.”

“Perhaps you won’t like me for a landlord so well as Mrs. Preston,” said the doctor, smiling.

“I’ll risk it,” said Andy.

Two days afterward the transfer was made.  Mrs. Preston was disappointed, and Godfrey still more so, to find their malice had done the widow Burke no harm.

By advice of the doctor, Andy deferred paying the thirty dollars claimed as rent, availing himself of the twelve months allowed for the payment of debts due the estate of one deceased.

“If it was anybody else, I’d pay at once,” said Andy; “but Mrs. Preston has treated us so meanly that I don’t mean to hurry.”

The delay made Mrs. Preston angry, but she was advised that it was quite legal.

CHAPTER XXXIII ANDY LOSES HIS PLACE

Andy and his mother moved into Dr. Townley’s cottage.  It was rather an improvement upon the house in which they had lived hitherto, but, then, there was this great difference:  For the one they had no rent to pay, but for the other they paid fifty dollars rent.  Dr. Townley would gladly have charged nothing, but he was a comparatively poor man, and could not afford to be as generous as his heart would have dictated.  He had a fair income, being skillful and in good practice, but he had a son in college, and his expenses were a considerable drain upon his father’s purse.  Still, with the money saved, and Andy’s weekly earnings, the Burkes were able to live very comfortably and still pay the rent.  But a real misfortune was in store for Andy.

Miss Sophia Grant was taken sick with lung fever.  The sickness lasted for some weeks, and left her considerably debilitated.

“What do you think of Sophia, Dr. Townley?” asked Priscilla, anxiously.  “She remains weak, and she has a bad cough.  I am feeling alarmed about her.”