'That's just the point,' said Jack, 'that's just the point. I can make it answer both our purposes,' said he, with a nudge of the elbow, and an inside-out squint of his eyes.
'Oh, that's another matter,' replied our friend; 'if we can turn the thing to account, well and good—I'm your man for a shy.'
'We can turn it to account,' rejoined Jack; 'we can turn it to account—at least I can; but then you must do it. He wouldn't take it as any compliment from me. It's the stranger that sees all things in their true lights. D'ye understand?' asked he eagerly.
'I twig,' replied Sponge.
'You write the account,' continued Jack, 'and I'll manage the rest.'
'You must help me,' observed Sponge.
'Certainly,' replied Jack; 'we'll do it together, and go halves in the plunder.'
'Humph,' mused Sponge: 'halves,' said he to himself. 'And what will you give me for my half?' asked he.
'Give you!' exclaimed Jack, brightening up. 'Give you! Let me see,' continued he, pretending to consider—'Puff's rich—Puff's a liberal fellow—Puff's a conceited beggar—mix it strong,' said Jack, 'and I'll give you ten pounds.'