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ughly, Pitman; the whole secret is preparation, and I can get up my biography from the beginning, and I could tell it you now, only I have forgotten it.' 'Perhaps I'm stupid--' began Pitman. 'That's it!' cried Michael. 'Very stupid; but rich too--richer than I am. I thought you would enjoy it, Pitman, so I've arranged that you were to be literally wallowing in wealth. But then, on the other hand, you're only an American, and a maker of india-rubber overshoes at that. And the worst of it is--why should I conceal it from you?--the worst of it is that you're called Ezra Thomas. Now,' said Michael, with a really appalling seriousness of manner, 'tell me who we are.' The unfortunate little man was cross-examined till he knew these facts by heart. 'There!' cried the lawyer. 'Our plans are laid. Thoroughly consistent--that's the great thing.' 'But I don't understand,' objected Pitman. 'O, you'll understand right enough when it comes to the point,' said Michael, rising. 'There doesn't seem any story to it,' said the artist. 'We can invent one as we go along,' returned the lawyer. 'But I can't invent,' protested Pitman. 'I never could invent in all my life.' 'You'll find you'll have to, my boy,' was Michael's easy comment, and he began calling for the waiter, with whom he at once resumed a sparkling conversation. It was a downcast little man that followed him. 'Of course he is very clever, but can I trust him in such a state?' he asked himself. And when they were once more in a hansom, he took heart of grace. 'Don't you think,' he faltered, 'it would be wiser, considering all things, to put this business off?' 'Put off till tomorrow what can be done today?' cried Michael, with indignation. 'Never heard of such a thing! Cheer up, it's all right, go in and win--there's a lion-hearted Pitman!' At Cannon Street they enquired for Mr Brown's piano, which had duly arrived, drove thence to a neighbouring mews, where they contracted for a cart, and while that was being got ready, took shelter in the harness-room beside the stove. Here the lawyer presently toppled against the wall and fell into a gentle slumber; so that Pitman found himself launched on his own resources in the midst of several staring loafers, such as love to spend unprofitable days about a stable. 'Rough day, sir,' observed one. 'Do you go far?' 'Yes, it's a--rather a rough day,' said the artist; and then, feeling that he must change th
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