"You know a gentleman named Wyckliffe, I believe?"
"Yes, he does me the honour to ride in my cab."
"He's a friend of ours," continued Hal, "and to tell you the truth, he is going it a bit strong; in fact, too strong for his income to stand it."
"Never did it with me, sir. Fact was, he was rather mean, and often barneyed over a few bob. I was jolly glad when he cleared, for he began to be too familiar-like, and I don't like chaps who run up a score with a cabby. He owes me twenty quid now. Of course, I reckon he'll pay it, for he told me he was a bit stiff, but that his friends would settle up, so if you'll kindly hand over twenty sovs, I'll give yer a receipt," said Dick, quite unconcerned.
Hal and Reg were as much surprised at Dick's news, as at his manner of imparting it.
"My time's money, so if you want to part up, I'll tell you what I'll do. I ain' a hard one to chaps stuck. Give me a tenner, and we'll cry quits."
"Where's Wyck now?" asked Hal, sharply, looking Dick straight in the face, a gaze he did not approve of.
"He ain't far away, quite close handy; but what do you want to know for?" asked Dick, in return, on the aggressive.
"Merely wished to look him up," said Hal.
"Oh! well, that alters the case. I thought you was after him to do him an injury and, as he has been a good friend to me, I'll stick to him. I'll tell yer what I'll do, gents. I'm a bit short, and will run the risk of offending him, but if you plank down a fiver, I'll guarantee to bring him here to-night."