"Yes. I—I just want to speak a word to you—only a word or two, Hucky, if you aren't busy?"
"Why, I was just going to go—but what d'ye want, Titmouse?" he inquired in a freezing manner, not stirring from where he stood.
"Let me come inside a minute," implored Titmouse, feeling as if his little heart were really dropping out of him: and, in a most ungracious manner, Huckaback motioned him in.
"Well," commenced Huckaback, with a chilling distrustful look.
"Why, Huck, I know you're a good-natured chap—you couldn't, just for a short time, lend me ten shill"——
"No, curse me if I can: and that's flat!" briskly interrupted Huckaback, finding his worst suspicions confirmed.
"Why, Hucky, wasn't you only yesterday paid your salary?"
"Well!—suppose I was?—what then? You're a monstrous cool hand, Titmouse! I never!! So I'm to lend to you, when I'm starving myself! I've received such a lot, too, haven't I?"
"I thought we'd always been friends, Hucky," said Titmouse, faintly; "and so we shouldn't mind helping one another a bit! Don't you remember, I once lent you half-a-crown?"
"Half-a-crown!—and that's nine months ago!"