Nick ascended the stairs, knocked at the door.
"Come in," said a thick voice.
Nick entered and found Jerry struggling with a sketch.
"I don't feel a bit humorous," said Jerry.
"You're a pretty specimen," began Nick.
"Look here, Old Nick, if you've come here to upbraid me I don't want to see you. What I want is ten pounds to see me through."
Nick laughed.
"I'll let you have it if you promise to keep all right."
"Snakes alive. You don't suppose I want to be sacked, do you?" exclaimed Jerry.
"I'd be sorry if you were, so would thousands of people. We'd all miss you, Jerry. 'The Sketch' wouldn't be the same paper," answered Nick.