Page:The wrong box (IA wrongbox00stevrich).pdf/146

 'But I can't invent,' protested Pitman. 'I never could invent in all my life.'

'You'll find you'll have to, my boy,' was Michael's easy comment, and he began calling for the waiter, with whom he at once resumed a sparkling conversation.

It was a down-cast little man that followed him. 'Of course he is very clever, but can I trust him in such a state?' he asked himself. And when they were once more in a hansom, he took heart of grace.

'Don't you think,' he faltered, 'it would be wiser, considering all things, to put this business off?'

'Put off till to-morrow what can be done to-day?' cried Michael, with indignation. 'Never heard of such a thing! Cheer up, it's all right, go in and win—there's a lion-hearted Pitman!'

At Cannon Street, they inquired for Mr. Brown's piano, which had duly arrived, drove thence to a neighbouring mews, where they contracted for a cart, and while that was being got ready, took shelter in the harness-room beside the stove. Here the lawyer presently toppled against the wall and fell into a gentle slumber; so that Pitman found himself launched on his own resources in the midst of several staring loafers, such as love to spend unprofitable days about a stable.