'I want two shillings and sixpence or sixpenny-worth of coppers for a half-crown piece.'
'I think I can do that,' I answered, thrusting a hand into my pocket.
'You may think it strange that I should ask you,' he suggested.
'Not at all.'
'But,' he continued, 'I hadn't time to get change, and I want a paper at the next station.'
Bringing out a handful of silver, I gave him two shillings and a sixpence, whereupon he handed me a half-crown in exchange.
'It looks like a new one,' I remarked.
'I trust it may bring you good fortune, my lad,' he answered. 'Though, in one respect, you certainly seem to be well provided for already.'
I suppose I smiled with satisfaction.
'But,' he continued, 'never forget one thing. Money is the root of all evil—the root of all evil.'