“Do you mean it?” he said.

“Of course I do. You must not go about in your present plight. Everybody suspects a man who is in rags—​and the police in particular. You must make a better appearance.”

“I wish I could.”

“Aye, but you must, my friend. Now, look here—​I will advance you five pounds. You can pay me back when you are better off, you know.”

“Ah, my dear good creature, I’ll pay you back the first money I get hold of—​never fear that. Five pounds! It’s a little fortune to me just now.”

“Will you promise to make good use of it?”

“Yes, I do promise.”

“And not give way to drink?”

“It aint likely.”

“I don’t know so much about that. I am afraid it is more than likely.”