any money you get you're pretty sure to make a bad use of. But"--
he assumed an air of great solemnity--"all the same--now listen
----"

"I'm listening."

"Just to show you the kind of a man I am, and to make you feel
ashamed of yourself, I'm going to pay you the money."

For a few seconds there was unbroken stillness. The men gazed at
each other, Dengate superbly triumphant, Hilliard incredulous but
betraying excitement.

"I'm going to pay you four hundred and thirty-six pounds," Dengate
repeated. "No less and no more. It isn't a legal debt, so I shall
pay no interest. But go with me when we get to Birmingham, and you
shall have my cheque for four hundred and thirty-six pounds."

The train began to move on. Hilliard had uncrossed his legs, and sat
bending forward, his eyes on vacancy.

"Does that alter your opinion of me?" asked the other.

"I sha'n't believe it till I have cashed the cheque."

"You're one of those young fellows who think so much of themselves
they've no good opinion to spare for anyone else. And what's more,
I've still half a mind to give you a good thrashing before I give
you the cheque. There's just about time, and I shouldn't wonder if
it did you good. You want some of the conceit taken out of you, my