'Mr. Jackman,' said I, 'I have not lost all my property, but I
cannot quite live on what is left. Can you give me some work? My
connection and knowledge of your business may be of some service.'
I had put hundreds of pounds in this man's pocket, but forbore to
urge this claim upon him.

'Delighted, I am sure, if it were possible, but we have no vacancy,
and, to be quite plain with you, you are much too old. We could get
more out of a boy at ten shillings a week than we could out of you.'

Mr. Jackman drank another glass of sherry.

'But, sir'--(sir! that I should ever call Tom Jackman 'sir,' but I
did)--'as I just said, my experience and connection might be
valuable.'

'Oh, as to experience, me and Larkins supply all that, and the
clerks do as they are told. Never keep a clerk more than two years:
he then begins to think he knows too much and wants more pay. As to
connection, pardon me--mean nothing, of course--but your
recommendation now wouldn't bring much.'

At this moment the door opened and Larkins entered in haste. 'I
say, Jackman--' then turning and seeing me,--'Hullo, Whittaker, what
the devil are you doing here? Jackman, I've just heard--'

'Good-bye, Whittaker,' said Jackman, 'sorry can't help you.'

Neither of them offered to shake hands, and I passed out into the
street. The chop-houses were crammed; waiters were rushing hither