Page 10 (1/2)

"Anybody is liable to get that way, my jolly old roysterer," he said

"Speakin' for myself, drink has no effect upon me--due to "

"I' to be ashamed of, my poor old toper," said Bones honestly in

error "Why, I remember once----"

"As a business ive

sentiment?"

"Sentiment! Why, you silly old josser, I'! Why, I simply cry myself to sleep over dear old Charles

What's-his-name's books!"

"It's sentiment," said Fred brokenly "I just can't--I simply can't

part with those two ships I sold you"

"Hey?" said Bones

"They were your uncle's, but they have an association for me and my

brother which it would be--er--profane to ain"

Bones sniffed and rubbed his nose

"Business, dear old Fred," he said gently "Bear up an' play the man,

as dear old Francis Drake said when they stopped hie you, but----"

He shook his head rapidly Mr Fred slowly produced his cheque-book and laid it on the desk with

the sigh of one as about to indite his last wishes

"You shall not be the loser," he said, with a catch in his voice, for

he was genuinely grieved "I must pay for my weakness What is five

hundred pounds?"