Lady of the Barge and Others, Entire Collection by W. W. Jacobs
page 40 of 201 (19%)
page 40 of 201 (19%)
|
The next day Thomas was worse, and it was soon clear to everybody but 'im that 'e was slipping 'is cable. He wouldn't believe it at first, though the cook told 'im, Bill Hicks told him, and Walter Jones 'ad a grandfather that went off in just the same way. "I'm not going to die," says Thomas "How can I die and leave all that money?" "It'll be good for your relations, Thomas," says Walter Jones. "I ain't got any," says the old man. "Well, your friends, then, Thomas," says Walter, soft-like. "Ain't got any," says the old man ag'in. "Yes, you 'ave, Thomas," says Walter, with a kind smile; "I could tell you one you've got." Thomas shut his eyes at 'im and began to talk pitiful about 'is money and the 'ard work 'e'd 'ad saving of it. And by-and-by 'e got worse, and didn't reckernise us, but thought we was a pack o' greedy, drunken sailormen. He thought Walter Jones was a shark, and told 'im so, and, try all 'e could, Walter couldn't persuade 'im different. He died the day arter. In the morning 'e was whimpering about 'is money ag'in, and angry with Bill when 'e reminded 'im that 'e couldn't take it with 'im, and 'e made Bill promise that 'e should be buried just as 'e was. Bill tucked him up arter that, and when 'e felt a canvas belt tied |
|