half-closed eyes, gazed at him in silent reproach.
"I don't say that one or two people didn't receive a little bit of a shock to their nerves," said the visitor, thoughtfully. "One lady even stayed in bed next day. However, I made it all right with them. The company is very generous, and although of course there is no legal obligation, they made several of them a present of a few pounds, so that they could go away for a little change, or anything of that sort, to quiet their nerves."
Mr. Scutts, who had been listening with closed eyes, opened them languidly and said, "Oh."
"I gave one gentleman twen-ty pounds!" said the visitor, jingling some coins in his trouser-pocket. "I never saw a man so pleased and grateful in my life. When he signed the receipt for it—I always get them to sign a receipt, so that the company can see that I haven't kept the money for myself—he nearly wept with joy."
"I should think he would," said Mr. Scutts, slowly—"if he wasn't hurt."
"You're the last on my list," said the other, hastily. He produced a slip of paper from his pocket-book and placed it on the small table, with a fountain pen. Then, with a smile that was both tender and playful, he plunged his hand in his pocket and poured a stream of gold on the table.
"What do you say to thir-ty pounds?" he said, in a hushed voice. "Thirty golden goblins?"
"What for?" inquired Mr. Scutts, with a notable lack of interest.
"For—well, to go away for a day or two," said the visitor. "I find you in bed; it may be a cold or a bilious attack; or perhaps you had a little upset of the nerves when the trains kissed each other."
"I'm in bed—because—I can't walk-or stand," said Mr. Scutts, speaking very distinctly. "I'm on my club, and if as 'ow I get well in a day or two, there's no reason why the company should give me any money. I'm pore, but I'm honest."
"Take my advice as a friend," said the other; "take the money while you can get it."
He nodded significantly at Mr. Scutts and closed one eye. Mr. Scutts closed both of his.
"I 'ad my
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