ven't got the money; have I, George?" said the father.

"That question I cannot answer," replied Robinson. "Nor can I say how
far it might be prudent in you to debar yourself from all further
progress in commerce if you have got it. But this I can say; do not
let any consideration for me prevent you from giving a dowry with
your daughter to Mr. Brisket; if she loves him--"

"Oh, it's all bother about love," said she; "men and women must eat,
and they must have something to give their children, when they come."

"But if I haven't got it, my dear?"

"That's nonsense, father. Where has the money gone to? Whatever you
do, speak the truth. If you choose to say you won't--"

"Well, then, I won't," said he, roused suddenly to anger. "I never
made Brisket any promise!"

"But mother did; she as is now gone, and far away; and it was her
money,--so it was."

"It wasn't her money;--it was mine!" said Mr. Brown.

"And that's all the answer I'm to get? Very well. Then I shall know
where to look for my rights. And as for that fellow there, I didn't
think it of him, that he'd be so mean. I knew he was a coward
always."

"I am neither mean nor a coward," said Robinson, jumping up, and
speaking with a voice that was audible right across Spavinhorse Yard,
and into the tap of the "Man of Mischief" public-house opposite. "As
for meanness, if I had the money, I would pour it out into your lap,
though I knew that it was to be converted into beef and mutton for
the benefit of a hated rival. And as for cowardice, I repel the
charge, and drive it back into the teeth of him who, doubtless, made
it. I am no coward."

"You ran away when he bid you!"

"Yes; because he is big and strong, and had I remained, he would
have knocked me about, and made me ridiculous in the eyes of the
spectators. But I am no coward. If you wish it, I am ready to fight
him."

"Oh, dear, no. It can be nothing to me."

"He will make me one mash of gore," said Robinson, still holding out
his hand. "But if you wish it, I care nothing for that. His brute
strength will, of course, prevail; but I am indifferent as to that,
if it would do you a pleasure."

"Pleasure to me! Nothing of the kind, I can assure you."

"Maryanne, if I might have my wish, it should be this. Let us both
sit down, with our cigars lighted,--ay, and with tapers in our
hands,--on an open barrel of gunpowder. Then let him who will sit
there longest receive this fair hand as his prize." And