"Though when I say 'touch'," he went on, "I don't mean quite that. The stuff is really mine. My father left me a few thousand, you see, but most injudiciously made Uncle Lester my trustee, and I'm not allowed to get at the capital without the old blighter's consent. And now a pal of mine in London has written offering me a half share in a new night club which he's starting if I will put up five hundred pounds."
"I see."
"And what I ask myself," said Hugo, "is will Uncle Lester part? That's what I ask myself. I can't say I'm betting on it."
"From what I have seen of Mr. Carmody, I shouldn't say that parting was the thing he does best."
"He's got absolutely no gift for it whatever," said Hugo gloomily.
"Well, I wish you luck," said Doctor Twist. "But don't you try to bribe him with cigarettes."
"Do what?"
"Bribe him with cigarettes. After they have been taking the treatment for a while, most of these birds would give their soul for a coffin nail."
Hugo started. He had not thought of this; but, now that it had been called to his attention, he saw that it was most certainly an idea.
"And don't keep him standing around longer than you can help. He ought to get under that shower as soon as possible."