ence of illness, and I have not a farthing. I will repay it if I
live, that is certain; but I have little hopes of obtaining it, and
nothing but my affection for the old lady would induce me to risk the
mortification of a refusal. It's true enough that `he who goes
a-borrowing goes a-sorrowing.'"

"I fear it is; but I will so far assist you as to let you know what your
only chance is. State your case to Mr Small as you have to me to-day,
and then stand close to him while he answers; if he puts his knuckles
into your ribs to enforce his arguments, don't shrink, and then wait the
result without interrupting him."

"Well, I'd do more than that for the old lady," replied the poor
midshipman, as Mr Small made his appearance.

The midshipman told his story in very few words, and Mr Small heard him
without interruption. When he had finished, Mr Small commenced, "You
see my man, you ask me to do what no navy-agent ever did before--to lend
upon a promise to pay, and that promise to pay from a midshipman. In
the first place, I have only the promise without the security; that's
one point, do you observe? (A punch with the knuckles.) And then the
promise to pay depends whether you are in the country or not. Again, if
you have the money, you may not have the inclination to pay; that's
another point. (Then came another sharp impression into the ribs of the
middy.) Then, again, it is not even personal security, as you may be
drowned, shot, blown up, or taken out of the world before any pay is due
to you; and by your death you would be unable to pay, if so inclined;
there's a third point. (And there was a third dig, which the middy
stood boldly up against.) Insure your life you cannot, for you have no
money; you therefore require me to lend my money upon no security
whatever; for even allowing that you would pay if you could, yet your
death might prevent it; there's another point, (and the knuckles again
penetrated into the midshipman's side who felt the torture increasing as
hope was departing.) But," continued Mr Small, who was evidently much
pleased with his own ratiocination, "there is another point not yet
touched upon, which is, that as good Christians, we must sometimes lend
money upon no security, or even give it away, for so are we commanded;
and therefore, Mr O'Donahue, you will tell Mr Sleek to let him have
the money; there's the last and best point of all, eh?" wound up Mr
Small, with a thumping blow upon the