"And," continued Tomlinson, "no person of delicacy likes to be subjected to the importunity of vulgar creditors; we must, therefore, raise money for the Liquidation of our debts. Captain Lovett, or Clifford, whichever you be styled, we call upon you to assist us in so praiseworthy a purpose."

Clifford turned his eyes first on one, and then on the other, but made no answer.
"Imprimis," said Tomlinson; "let us each produce our stock in hand: for my part, I am free to confess— for what shame is there in that poverty which our exertions are about to relieve ? — that I have only two guineas, four shillings, and threepence half-penny?"

" And I," said Long Ned, taking a China ornament from the chimney-piece, and emptying its contents in his hand; "am still more pitifully condition. See, I have only three shillings and a bad guinea. I gave the guinea to the waiter at the "White Hart" yesterday; the dog brought it back to me today, and I was forced to change it with my last shilling. Plague take the thing; I bought it of a Jew for four shillings, and have lost one pound five by the bargain! "

"Fortune frustrates our wisest schemes!" rejoined the moralising Augustus. "Captain, will you produce the scanty wrecks of your wealth?"

Clifford, still silent, threw a purse on the table. Augustus carefully emptied it, and counted out five guineas. An expression of grave surprise settled on Tomlinson's contemplative brow, and extending the coins towards Clifford, he said, in a melancholy tone —

"Are all your pretty ones?"
Did you say all?'"

A look from Clifford answered the interesting interrogatory. 