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88 his room to smoke a cigar before I left, and of course inquired after the boy.

"I managed to rush you in here this time, my dear d'Escombe," he said, in his slow, drawling manner, "but I'm doubtful, very doubtful. 'Madam' does not like you, I fear, and is almost sure to find some excuse for sending to London next time. What a pity I'm not Lord of the Manor; I could put plenty of work and good fat fees in your way. Is there anything the matter with the boy? His heart quite sound, eh?"

Of course these remarks had the effect they were calculated to have; little Jack Chalmers' death-warrant was signed in the few seconds which passed before I answered.

"I can't say that I should be exactly sorry, don't-yer-know," he continued, and looked very straight at me through his monocle.

Then I started in to prepare my ground. I talked about the hard times, lack of work, shortness of money, and heavy expenses, and ended up by asking the Captain point-blank if he could lend me a hundred pounds for a month.

"My dear boy," he answered, "I wish you could do the same for me."

Oh," I said pointedly, "you and I are in