clothes wear, sir? Nice stuff that tweed we made them of.
Could do you a very nice suit of the same now, sir, dirt cheap. Two
fifteen to you, and measure the coat. We should charge three guineas to
any one else."

It occurred to me to wonder why so great exception should be made in my
favour, especially as I had owed my present bill so long. However, we
let the fellow rattle on at his shoppy talk, and soon arrived at Mr
Shoddy's ready-made clothes establishment.

I felt rather like a criminal being brought up before a judge than a
customer before the tailor of his patronage.

"Good evening, Mr Batchelor," said the tailor. "Take a seat, sir."

I did so, and Jack took another.

A long pause ensued.

"You wished to see me," observed I.

"Well, yes, I do," said the tailor. "The fact is, Mr Batchelor, you
aren't treating me well. Those clothes were sold you for cash, sir--
cash down!"

"Yes, I'm afraid I have been rather slow in paying, Mr Shoddy," said I.

"Quite so, sir! The question is, have you the amount with you now--
three pounds plus six shillings for interest to date?"

"I certainly have not the money with me," said I.

"Ah! Then you are prepared to give me security, of course? Now what do
you say to my drawing on Messrs. Merrett, Barnacle, and Company, at one
month, for the amount? I should be satisfied with their bill."

I nearly jumped off my seat with horror.

"Merrett, Barnacle, and Company pay my tailor's bill! Oh, no! quite out
of the question!" I exclaimed.

"Ah, that's a pity! I should have liked their bill, and you could pay
them by instalments."

"I wouldn't on any account have them spoken to on the subject," said I.

"Well, perhaps your friend here--"

"No," said Jack; "I've no money at all."

"Your uncle possibly--"

How had the man heard that I had an uncle? He seemed to know all about
me, and I began to get uncomfortable.

"My uncle, I fear, would not advance the money. I have already asked
him, and had no reply."

"This is rather awkward for you, sir," said Mr Shoddy, coolly. "I
quite hoped you would have been prepared with a proposal."

"I might be able to pay you a shilling a week," I faltered.

Mr Shoddy shrugged his shoulders. "Three pounds six is sixty-six
shillings, interest six and six; seventy-two shillings and sixpence--
seventy-two and a half weeks--one year and four and a half months to pay
off. Thank you, sir; can't do it."

"I don't know