“Well, perhaps your friend here—”
“No,” said Jack; “I’ve no money at all.”
“Your uncle possibly—”
How had the man heard that I had an uncle? He seemed to know all about me, and I began to get uncomfortable.
“My uncle, I fear, would not advance the money. I have already asked him, and had no reply.”
“This is rather awkward for you, sir,” said Mr Shoddy, coolly. “I quite hoped you would have been prepared with a proposal.”
“I might be able to pay you a shilling a week,” I faltered.
Mr Shoddy shrugged his shoulders. “Three pounds six is sixty-six shillings, interest six and six; seventy-two shillings and sixpence—seventy-two and a half weeks—one year and four and a half months to pay off. Thank you, sir; can’t do it.”
“I don’t know what to do if you won’t accept that,” I faltered.
“Three shillings a week, secured,” said the tailor, “would meet the case, I think. What do you think?”