Sooner than experience a stamp on his toe, he would see his old father's gouty feet trampled on.
He is ready to discharge a double-barrelled gun at anybody, to escape a single shot at himself.
He would ride his friend's horse fifty miles, to save his own from a journey of five-and-twenty.
To avoid an easy leap from the first-floor window, he would doom his nearest connexion to jump from the roof.
Rather than submit to the privation of half a meal, he would subject any human being to the misery of being dinnerless.
He is penny wise and twopence foolish. His penny saved is not a penny got, since the damage he occasions will recoil upon himself.
He is more mindful of the flourishing finances of the postmaster-general, than of the scanty funds of individuals who are dear to him.
He has no care for the revenue, for he shrinks from prompt payment.
He is dishonest, for rather than pay in advance he won't pay at all.