'I have no fear, sir. The strike is at an end, and business will go on well now.'
'If I did not believe that it would, I would never consent to use it,' said Mr. Hunter.
It was true. Austin Clay, a provident man, had been advancing his money to save the credit of his master. Suspecting some such a crisis as this was looming, he had contrived to hold his funds in available readiness. It had come, though, sooner than he anticipated.
'How am I to repay you?' asked Mr. Hunter. 'I don't mean the money: but the obligation.'
A red flush mounted to Austin's brow. He answered hastily, as if to cover it.
'I do not require payment, sir. I do not look for any.'
Mr. Hunter stood in deep thought, looking at him, but vacantly. Dr. Bevary was near the mantelpiece, apparently paying no attention to either of them. 'Will you link your name to mine?' said Mr. Hunter, moving towards Austin.
'In what manner, sir?'
'By letting the firm be from henceforth Hunter and Clay. I have long wished this; you are of too great use to me to remain anything less than a partner, and by this last act of yours, you have earned the right to be so. Will you object to join your name to one which was so near being dishonoured?'
He held out his hand as he spoke, and Austin clasped it. 'Oh, Mr. Hunter!' he exclaimed, in the strong impulse of the moment, 'I wish you would give me hopes of a dearer reward.'