But the highwaymen, like the bankers, seemed
to know, by instinct, that he had not a guinea, and declined to give him
even the miserable help he coveted.
When he got home he sent down for Cluffe to the Phoenix, and got him
to take Nutter, who was there also, aside, and ask him for a little
time, or to take part of the rent. Though the latter would not have
helped him much; for he could not make out ten pounds just then, were it
to save his life. But Nutter only said--
'The rent's not mine; I can't give it or lose it; and Sturk's not safe.
Will _you_ lend it? _I_ can't.'
This brought Cluffe to reason. He had opened the business, like a jolly
companion, in a generous, full-blooded way.
'Well, by Jove, Nutter, I can't blame you; for you see, between
ourselves, I'm afraid 'tis as you say. We of the Royal Irish have done,
under the rose, you know, all we can; and I'm sorry the poor devil has
run himself into a scrape; but hang it, we must have a conscience; and
if you think there's a risk of losing it, why I don't see that I can
press you.
The reader must not suppose when Cluffe said, 'we of the Royal Irish,'
in connection with some pecuniary kindness shown to Sturk, that that
sensible captain had given away any of his money to the surgeon; but
Sturk, in their confidential conference, had hinted something about a
'helping hand,' which Cluffe coughed off, and mentioned that Puddock had
lent him fifteen pounds the week before.
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