ajor, and have six answers for any one that wants to
argue with me. If I had had that the other day he wouldn't have bounced
me so easily."

"Nay, but Ezra, Ezra," his father said, in great agitation, "you will
promise to be careful and to avoid quarrels and bloodshed. It is
against the great law, the new commandment."

"I won't get into any rows if I can help it," his son answered.
"That's not my game."

"But if you think that there is no mistake, if your opponent is
undoubtedly about to proceed to extremities, shoot him down at once, my
dear lad, before he has time to draw. I have heard those who have been
out there say that in such cases everything depends upon getting the
first shot. I am anxious about you, and shall not be easy until I see
you again."

"Blessed if he hasn't tears in his eyes!" Ezra exclaimed to himself,
much astonished at this unprecedented occurrence.

"When do you go?" his father asked.

"My train leaves in an hour or so. I reach the steamer at Southampton
about three in the morning, and she starts with the full tide at six."

"Look after your health," the old man continued. "Don't get your feet
wet, and wear flannel next your skin. Don't forget your religious
duties either. It has a good effect upon those among whom you do
business."

Ezra sprang from his chair with an exclamation of disgust and began to
pace up and down. "I wish to Heaven you would drop that sort of gammon
when we are alone," he said irritably.

"My dear boy," said the father, with a mild look of surprise upon his
face, "you seem to be under a misapprehension in this matter.
You appear to consider that we are embarking upon some unjustifiable
undertaking. This is not so. What we are doing is simply a small
commercial ruse--a finesse. It is a recognized maxim of trade to
endeavour to depreciate the price of whatever you want to buy, and to
raise it again when the time comes for selling."

"It's steering very close to the law," his son retorted.
"No speculating, now, while I am away; whatever comes in must go towards
getting us out of this scrape, not to plunging us deeper in the mire."

"I shall not expend an unnecessary penny."

"Well, then, good-bye." said the young man, rising up and holding out
his hand. "Keep your eye on Dimsdale and don't trust him."

"Good-bye, my son, good-bye--God bless you!"

The old merchant was honestly moved, and his voice quivered as he spoke.
He stood motionless for