"It's eight years since I owed any man a penny. The people I _did_
owe money to were sensible men of business--all except your
father, and he never could see things in the right light. I went
through the bankruptcy court, and I made arrangements that satisfied
my creditors. I should have satisfied your father too, only he
died."

"You paid tuppence ha'penny in the pound."

"No, it was five shillings, and my creditors--sensible men of
business--were satisfied. Now look here. I owed your father four
hundred and thirty-six pounds, but he didn't rank as an ordinary
creditor, and if I had paid him after my bankruptcy it would have
been just because I felt a respect for him--not because he had any
legal claim. I _meant_ to pay him--understand that."

Hilliard smiled. Just then a block signal caused the train to
slacken speed. Darkness had fallen, and lights glimmered from some
cottages by the line.

"You don't believe me," added Dengate.

"I don't."

The prosperous man bit his lower lip, and sat gazing at the lamp in
the carriage. The train came to a standstill; there was no sound but
the throbbing of the engine.

"Well, listen to me," Dengate resumed. You're turning out badly, and