"'I forgive you, Snaps! It certainly did warrant the term, after my declarations of insolvency; but it just flashes across my mind,—how it could have escaped me I know not,—that all is not so bad with me. I have a chest of plate!'
"'A chest of plate!' ejaculated Snaps. 'Why, my dear sir,——'
"'A plate-chest!' said I.
"'Yes,' continued M'Flummery, 'my splendid sporting service,—quite new,—never used,—made not six months since by Rundell and Bridge. How could I have forgotten this!'
"'Sit down, my dear sir,' said Snaps. 'Your recollection of this com-plete-ly alters the case! Perhaps we can manage the matter.'
"'But money is money, I am afraid; and holders are firm, Mr. Snaps,' said M'Flummery, with what I thought the most devilish and malicious laugh that ever was uttered.
"'True, true,' replied my master; 'but there is a mode of tempting even a miser.'
"'I think there is,' said M'Flummery, just as Old Nick might have spoken the words, and looking Snaps full in the face.
"'Where is the chest?" inquired Snaps. "There is no lien on it?' he continued gravely. 'It is not at——"
"'My uncle's? No, no!'