“I’m that already,” said the captain. “I can promise nothing; but I’ll do what I can.”
“You’ll have to do more, if you’re to get rid of me. How about money?”
This abrupt question fairly staggered the captain, who broke out—
“Money! Didn’t you drain me of every penny I had in London?”
The fellow laughed coarsely.
“What did you drain the regimental mess of, I should like to know? You needn’t think you’re out of that wood. Now, I shall want £200 for my month in town. I mean to enjoy myself.”
The captain laughed dismally. “Where are you going to get it from?”
“You. Look sharp!”
“I tell you, Ratman, I haven’t any money. You can’t get blood out of a stone.”
“Then you must give me a bill—at a month.”