rer. Pay
me fifteen thousand over the counter, and we cry quits for ever."

"Won't you take the Camlachie Cemetery shares? They are sure to go up."

"No!"

"Twelve hundred Cowcaddens Water, with an issue of new stock next week?"

"Not if they disseminated the Gauges!"

"A thousand Ramshorn Gas--four per cent. guaranteed until the act?"

"Not if they promised twenty, and melted down the sun in their retort!"

"Blawweary Iron? Best spec. going."

"No, I tell you once for all! If you don't like my offer,--and it is an
uncommonly liberal one,--say so, and I'll expose you this afternoon upon
'Change."

"Well then, there's a cheque. But may the--"

"Stop, sir! Any such profane expressions, and I shall insist upon
the original bargain. So then, now we're quits. I wish you a very
good-morning, Mr. Sawley, and better luck next time. Pray remember me to
your amiable family."

The door had hardly closed upon the discomfited coffin-maker, and I was
still in the preliminary steps of an extempore _pas seul_, intended as
the outward demonstration of exceeding inward joy, when Bob M'Corkindale
entered. I told him the result of the morning's conference.

"You have let him off too easily," said the political economist. "Had
I been his creditor, I certainly should have sacked the shares into the
bargain. There is nothing like rigid dealing between man and man."

"I am contented with moderate profits," said I; "besides, the image of
Selina overcame me. How goes it with Jobson and Grabbie?"

"Jobson had paid, and Grabbie compounded. Heckles--may he die an evil
death!--has repudiated, become a lame duck, and waddled; but no doubt
his estate will pay a dividend."

"So then, we are clear of the whole Glenmutchkin business, and at a
handsome profit."

"A fair interest for the outlay of capital--nothing more. But I'm not
quite done with the concern yet."

"How so? not another bearing operation?"

"No; that cock would hardly fight. But you forget that I am secretary to
the company, and have a small account against them for services already
rendered. I must do what I can to carry the bill through Parliament;
and, as you have now sold your whole shares, I advise you to resign from
the direction, go down straight to Glenmutchkin, and qualify yourself
for a witness. We shall give you five guineas a day, and pay all your
expenses."

"Not a bad notion. But what has become of M'Closkie, and the other
fellow with the jaw-breaking