“Why, why ever didn’t you tell me of that before, Batchelor?” he exclaimed. “And this beggar Shoddy’s going to show you up, is he? Ha, ha! we’ll disappoint him for once in a way. I know him of old.”
“I was wondering if you knew him,” said I, suddenly feeling my spirits lightened, “and would mind asking him not to call up at the office.”
“Of course I will,” said Flanagan, jumping up and taking his hat. “Come along, old man, he won’t be shut up yet, I expect. If he is we’ll wake him up.”
And off we went, my heart full of joy at this unexpected hope.
Shoddy’s shop was still open, and its lord was at home. He greeted Flanagan obsequiously, as a good customer.
“Ah, Shoddy, how are you? Just make out my friend’s bill here, will you—look sharp!”
Shoddy, in as much surprise as I was, promptly obeyed, adding the interest for the last year and the next.
“Knock off that last six-and-six,” demanded my friend.
“But that’s for—”
“Knock it off, do you hear?” shouted Flanagan, “and receipt it.”