Jimmy chorussed.
"And I dessay I could make it up to a bob, and then we'll take our two 'ats out of it, and then we'll give yer wot's left next time we sees yer--eh, 'Enery?"
The driver, turning his head, nodded to his colleague.
"That's all right, Tom. You give the gentlemen their tickets. I'll see you get your twopence. The gentlemen can owe it me." He gave his whip an artistic twirl. "I've known myself what it's like to have a sovereign and no change to be had--ah, and more than a sovereign, though you mightn't think it to see me here."
Not feeling inclined to be indebted to an omnibus driver for the loan of twopence, I suddenly discovered that I had two coppers. The conductor retired. There was an interval of silence--spent, I imagine, by Stacey-Lumpton in endeavouring to smooth his ruffled plumage. Presently Jimmy's friend began again:
"I say, Jimmy, how about our fourpences?"
"That's what I say. Guv'nor, 'ow about our fourpences? I ain't seen no fourpence."
I tendered Stacey-Lumpton a word of advice.
"If you are wise you will give them nothing."
"I don't intend to."