rolled it up, and put it under my arm; after which I went upstairs and
knocked at the office door. I bowed on entering, and threw the waistcoat
on the counter.

"One-and-six," said the man.

"Yes, yes, thanks," I replied. "If it weren't that it was beginning to be
a little tight for me, of course I wouldn't part with it."

I got the money and the ticket, and went back. Considering all things,
pawning that waistcoat was a capital notion. I would have money enough
over for a plentiful breakfast, and before evening my thesis on the
"Crimes of Futurity" would be ready. I began to find existence more
alluring; and I hurried back to the man to get rid of him.

"There it is," said I. "I am glad you applied to me first."

The man took the money and scrutinized me closely. At what was he standing
there staring? I had a feeling that he particularly examined the knees of
my trousers, and his shameless effrontery bored me. Did the scoundrel
imagine that I really was as poor as I looked? Had I not as good as begun
to write an article for half-a-sovereign? Besides, I had no fear whatever
for the future. I had many irons in the fire. What on earth business was
it of an utter stranger if I chose to stand him a drink on such a lovely
day? The man's look annoyed me, and I made up my mind to give him a good
dressing-down before I left him. I threw back my shoulders, and said:

"My good fellow, you have adopted a most unpleasant habit of staring at a
man's knees when he gives you a shilling."