as I thought fit."

The respectable citizen sat with his hands on his knees, and
scrutinised the other's sallow features.

"You've been drinking, I can see. I had something to say to you, but
I'd better leave it for another time."

Hilliard flashed a look of scorn, and said sternly--

"I am as sober as you are."

"Then just give me civil answers to civil questions."

"Questions? What right have you to question me?"

"It's for your own advantage. You called me scoundrel. What did you
mean by that?"

"That's the name I give to fellows who go bankrupt to get rid of their
debts."

"Is it!" said Dengate, with a superior smile. "That only shows how
little you know of the world, my lad. You got it from your father, I
daresay; he had a rough way of talking."

"A disagreeable habit of telling the truth."

"I know all about it. Your father wasn't a man of business, and
couldn't see things from a business point of view. Now, what I just
want to say to you is this: there's all the difference in the world
between commercial failure and rascality. If you go down to Liverpool,
and ask men of credit for their opinion about Charles Edward Dengate,
you'll have a lesson that would profit you. I can see you're one of the
young chaps who think a precious deal of themselves; I'm often coming
across them nowadays, and I generally give them a piece of my mind."

Hilliard smiled.

"If you gave them the whole, it would be no great generosity."

"Eh? Yes, I see you've had a glass or two, and it makes you witty. But
wait a bit I was devilish near thrashing you a few minutes ago; but I
sha'n't do it, say what you like. I don't like vulgar rows."

"No more do I," remarked Hilliard; "and I haven't fought since I was a
boy. But for your own satisfaction, I can tell you it's a wise resolve
not to interfere with me. The temptation to rid the world of one such
man as you might prove too strong."

There was a force of meaning in these words, quietly as they were
uttered, which impressed the listener.

"You'll come to a bad end, my lad."

"Hardly. It's unlikely that I shall ever be rich."

"Oh! you're one of that sort, are you? I've come across Socialistic
fellows. But look here. I'm talking civilly, and I say again it's for
your advantage. I had a respect for your father, and I liked your
brother--I'm sorry to hear he's dead."

"Please keep your sorrow to yourself."

"All right, all right! I understand you're a draughtsman at K