arpe quietly. 'Captain Armine
can have any money he likes.'

'I shall be happy,' said Captain Armine, 'to pay any consideration you
think fit.'

'Oh! my dear sir, I cannot think of that. Money is a drug now. I shall
be happy to accommodate you without giving you any trouble. You can have
the 1,500L., if you please, this moment.'

'Really, you are very generous,' said Ferdinand, much surprised, 'but I
feel I am not entitled to such favours. What security can I give you?'

'I lend the money to you. I want no security. You can repay me when you
like. Give me your note of hand.' So saying, Mr. Sharpe opened a drawer,
and taking out his cheque-book drew a draft for the 1,500L. 'I believe
I have a stamp in the house,' he continued, looking about. 'Yes, here
is one. If you will fill this up, Captain Armine, the affair may be
concluded at once.'

'Upon my honour, Mr. Sharpe,' said Ferdinand, very confused, 'I do not
like to appear insensible to this extraordinary kindness, but really
I came here by the merest accident, and without any intention of
soliciting or receiving such favours. And my kind friend here has given
you much too glowing an account of my resources. It is very probable I
shall occasion you great inconvenience.'

'Really, Captain Armine,' said Mr. Sharpe with a slight smile, 'if we
were talking of a sum of any importance, why, one might be a little more
punctilious, but for such a bagatelle we have already wasted too much
time in its discussion. I am happy to serve you.'

Ferdinand stared, remembering Mr. Levison and the coals. Mr. Sharpe
himself drew up the note, and presented it to Ferdinand, who signed it
and pocketed the draft.

'I have several gentlemen waiting,' said Mr. Bond Sharpe; 'I am sorry I
cannot take this opportunity of cultivating your acquaintance, Captain
Armine, but I should esteem it a great honour if you would dine with me
to-day. Your friend Lord Catchimwhocan favours me with his company, and
you might meet a person or two who would amuse you.'

'I really shall be very happy,' said Ferdinand.

And Mr. Bond Sharpe again slightly rose and bowed them out of the room.

'Well, is not he a trump?' said Lord Catchimwhocan, when they were once
more in the cab.

'I am so astonished,' said Ferdinand, 'that I cannot speak. Who in the
name of fortune is this great man?'

'A genius,' said Lord Catchimwhocan. 'Don't you think he is a deuced
good-looking fellow?'

'The best-looking fello