avoury localities, my friend.
The worse the place the more is my presence, as a clergyman, necessary.'

'You ain't going to preach, sir?' cried Mosk, in alarm.

'No! that would indeed be casting pearls before swine, replied Cargrim,
in his cool tones. 'But I will observe and reflect.'

The landlord looked uneasy. 'I know as the place is rough,' he said
apologetically, 'but 'tain't my fault. You won't go talking to Sir
Harry, I hope, sir, and take the bread out of my mouth?'

'Make your mind easy, Mosk. It is not my place to carry tales to your
landlord; and I am aware that the lower orders cannot conduct themselves
with decorum, especially on Saturday night. I repine that such a scene
should be possible in a Christian land, but I don't blame you for its
existence.'

'That's all right, sir,' said Mosk, with a sigh of relief. 'I'm rough
but honest, whatever lies may be told to the contrary. If I can't pay my
rent, that ain't my fault, I hope, as it ain't to be expected as I can
do miracles.'

'The age of miracles is past, my worthy friend,' replied Cargrim, in
conciliatory tones. 'We must not expect the impossible nowadays. By the
way'--with a sudden change--'have you a man called Jentham here?'

'Yes, I have,' growled Mosk, looking suspiciously at his questioner.
'What do you know of him, sir?'

'Nothing; but I take an interest in him as he seems to be one who has
known better days.'

'He don't know them now, at all events, Mr Cargrim. He owes me money for
this last week, he does. He paid all right at fust, but he don't pay
now.'

'Indeed,' said the chaplain, pricking up his ears, 'he owes you money?'

'That he does; more nor two quid, sir. But he says he'll pay me soon.'

'Ah! he says he'll pay you soon,' repeated Cargrim; 'he expects to
receive money, then?'

'I s'pose so, tho' Lord knows!--I beg pardon, sir--tho' goodness knows
where it's coming from. He don't work or get wages as I can see.'

'I think I know,' thought Cargrim; then added aloud, 'Is the man here?'

'In the coffee-room yonder, sir. Half drunk he is, and lying like a good
one. The yarns he reels off is wonderful.'

'No doubt; a man like that must be interesting to listen to. With your
permission, Mr Mosk, I'll go into the coffee-room.'

'Straight ahead, sir. Will you take something to drink, if I may make so
bold, Mr Cargrim?'

'No, my friend, no; thank you all the same,' and with a nod Cargrim
pushed his way into the coffee-room t