“Ah, this is a dead-and-alive place, and no mistake,” said Pradelle.
“Why don’t you leave it then?” said Harry sulkily. “You are free.”
“No, I am not. I don’t like to see a friend going to the bad; and besides I have your aunt’s commission to try and save you from sinking down into a miserable tradesman.”
“Why don’t you save me, then?”
“That’s just like you. Look here, sink all cowardice, and go lip to the old boy like a Trojan. Plenty of money, hasn’t he?”
“I suppose so. I don’t know.”
“He’s sure to have.”
“But he’s such an old porcupine.”
“Never mind. Suppose you do get a few pricks, what of that? Think of the future.”
“But that venture must be all over now.”