“Yes, sir; but I have the other job to finish, in which you did not instruct me.”
“Look here, Parkins,” said Uncle Luke, taking him by the lapel of his coat, “never mind about the other business.”
“But I do, sir. Every man has some pride, and mine is to succeed in every job I take in hand.”
“Ah! well, look here; you shall succeed. You did your best over it, and we’ll consider it was the last act of the drama when my foolish nephew jumped into the sea.”
“Oh, no, sir. I—”
“Wait a minute. What a hurry you men are in! Now look here, Parkins. I’m only a poor quiet country person, and I should be sorry for you to think I tried to bribe you; but you’ve done your duty. Now go no farther in this matter, and I’ll sell out stock to a hundred pounds, and you shall transfer it to your name in the bank.”
Parkins shook his head and frowned.
“For a nest egg, man.”
“No, sir.”
“Then look here, my man; this is a painful family scandal, and I don’t want it to go any farther, for the sake of those who are suffering. I’ll make it two hundred.”