for all, it is no good! I have not got the money, and I cannot
pay it. I said a fortnight ago, when you lent it, that you
should have it this week. Well,' slapping his hand on the bench,
I have not got it, and it is no good beginning upon me. You
cannot have it, and that is flat!'

'Damn the money!' I cried.

'What?' he exclaimed, scarcely believing his ears.

'Let the money be!' I repeated fiercely. 'Do you hear? I have
not come about it, I am here to offer you work--good, well-paid
work--if you will enlist with me and play me fair, Fresnoy.'

'Play fair!' he cried with an oath.

'There, there,' I said, 'I am willing to let bygones be bygones
if you are. The point is, that I have an adventure on hand, and,
wanting help, can pay you for it.'

He looked at me cunningly, His eye travelling over each rent and
darn in my doublet. 'I will help you fast enough,' he said at
last. 'But I should like to see the money first.'

'You shall,' I answered.

'Then I am with you, my friend. Count on me till death!' he
cried, rising and laying his hand in mine with a boisterous
frankness which did not deceive me into trusting him far. 'And
now, whose is the affair, and what is it?'