ould fly from him.
His uncle was a hale man, and people told him that his own life was
not so much better than his uncle's. His uncle had a great object,
and if Ralph chose to sell at all, that fact would be worth thousands
to him. But his uncle would not buy the reversion of half or of a
portion of the property. The Squire at last spoke his mind freely
on this matter to Sir Thomas. "It shall never be cast in my son's
teeth," he said, "that his next neighbour is the real man. Early in
life I made a mistake, and I have had to pay for it ever since. I am
paying for it now, and must pay for it to the end. But my paying for
it will be of small service if my boy has to pay for it afterwards."
Sir Thomas understood him and did not press the point.

Ralph was nearly driven wild with the need of deciding. Moggs's bill
at two months was coming due, and he knew that he could expect no
mercy there. To Neefit's establishment in Conduit Street he had gone
once, and had had words,--as Waddle had told to his rival. Neefit
was still persistent in his wishes,--still urgent that Newton should
go forth to Hendon like a man, and "pop" at once. "I'll tell you
what, Captain," said he;--he had taken to calling Ralph Captain, as a
goodly familiar name, feeling, no doubt, that Mister was cold between
father-in-law and son-in-law, and not quite daring to drop all
reverential title;--"if you're a little hard up, as I know you are,
you can have three or four hundred if you want it." Ralph did want it
sorely. "I know how you stand with old Moggs," said Neefit, "and I'll
see you all right there." Neefit was very urgent. He too had heard
something of these dealings among the lawyers. To have his Polly Mrs.
Newton of Newton Priory! The prize was worth fighting for. "Don't let
them frighten you about a little ready money, Captain. If it comes to
that, other folk has got ready money besides them."

"Your trust in me surprises me," said Ralph. "I already owe you money
which I can't pay you."

"I know where to trust, and I know where not to trust. If you'll once
say as how you'll pop the question to Polly, fair and honest, on
the square, you shall have five hundred;--bless me, if you shan't.
If she don't take you after all, why then I must look for my money
by-and-bye. If you're on the square with me, Captain, you'll never
find me hard to deal with."

"I hope I shall be on the square, at any rate."

"Then you step out to her and pop." Hereupon Ralph