FRIENDSHIP.
I.
“Allen, come out! Hang it, man, it’s not before your time! Why, it’s five o’clock.”
“But the boss——”
“Blow the boss! He didn’t buy your body and soul for eight-six-eight a-month?”
“But suppose I lose my billet——”
“That’s what I want you for. Look here! Life’s not worth living at this rate. If it wasn’t for my wife I’d have chucked it long ago, for I’m sick to death of stocks and shares: there’s no excitement when you make a hit, because you don’t win enough, and it’s no fun losing, because you always lose too much.”
“Yes. It’s all very well for you, Benion,—you can afford it; but if I had half your money, I’d steer clear of specs. altogether.”