In the “Dragon” Batterby told his tale. There was nothing to be lost by telling it: there was everything to gain. He had his value. Some one might yet take him on.
“You’ve got a contract?” said a friend sympathetically.
“Yes,” said poor Batterby over his second. “What’s the good of that?”
“Why, it’s always something,” said a third. “The Messenger’s always on the nail. You’ll get your check to-morrow morning.”
“What’s the good of that?” said Batterby again gloomily, as a distant member of the group ordered another round.
“Room to turn round,” said the first friend.
Then up spoke a little man whom they all knew but whom they none of them knew enough; he was kind, he was reticent, and he had a reputation for getting things done.
“I’ll go round to Jerry now,” said the little man.
“What’s the good of that?” said Batterby for the third time.
“You’re an ungrateful beast,” said the little man. “The good is he’ll see you.”