The Face and the Mask by Robert Barr
page 241 of 280 (86%)
page 241 of 280 (86%)
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"Of course you wouldn't. You have everything that I haven't--food, clothes, shelter. Certainly you wouldn't. Why should you?" "Why should you, if it comes to that?" "Because ten shillings stands between me and a job. That's why, if you want to know. There's eight shillings railway fare, a shilling for something to eat to-night and a shilling for something in the morning. But I haven't the ten shillings. So that's why." "If I give you the ten shillings what assurance have I that you will not go and get drunk on it?" "None at all. I have not asked you for ten shillings, nor for one. I have simply answered your question." "That is true. I will give you a pound if you will take it, and so if unfortunately you spent half of it in cheering yourself, you will still have enough left to get that job. What is the job?" "I am a carpenter." "You are welcome to the pound." "I will take it gladly. But, mind you, I am not a beggar. I will take it if you give me your address, so that I may send it back to you when I earn it." By this time Bradley had come down on the pavement. The other man |
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