"Don't I wish I may get it! _He_ takes precious good care I don't-- that's why," rejoined Hubert, wrathful over the memory of his wrongs; and then he relapsed into silence. The fact was, he began to feel embarrassed, for he was trying to summon up courage to ask his brother a favour. He had been leading a life of terrible anxiety for the last few weeks. A bill was on the point of falling due, and he had not a notion how it was to be met. Result--another exposure. For what made it worse was the fact of his having denied further liability when his father had paid off his debts a couple of months back, and now it would come out that he had--well, stated what he knew to be contrary to fact. In his extremity, he thought of Roland, and now the moment struck him in a propitious light. "Keeps you tight, I suppose?" "Tight! I should just think he did," replied Hubert, with alacrity. Surely the conversation was working round towards a favourable opening. "Hard luck that. Try one of these weeds." "Thanks. And--er--I say, Roland, there's something I rather thought-- er--you might perhaps do for me. The fact is, you see, I'm in a devil of a fix just now--don't know which way to turn. And if the veteran should find it out I'm clean done." Roland eyed him rather curiously. "Well, what is it? Cash--or petticoat? Those being the two main sources of man's difficulties." "Well, it's a bill." "Been flying kites, eh?" "Yes," answered Hubert in desperation. Why the deuce was the other so infernally laconic and quiet over it--why couldn't he show a little feeling? he thought--and then his heart sank, for he made sure Roland would put him off with the usual excuse. But the next words reassured him. "H'm! That's better. If it had been the other phase of the root of all evil, I don't see how I could have helped you to avoid reaping the traditional whirlwind. But what's the amount?" Hubert named it--rather shamefacedly. It was a fair sum, just topping the three figures. More, a good deal, than Roland had expected, but he showed no surprise. He had made up his mind to help his brother in this, though Hubert's deportment towards himself had hitherto been ill-conditioned enough--and row he speculated idly as to whether the other would feel any gratitude towards him or hate him all the more. Hubert, meanwhile, felt his fears revive during the silence that ensued, and he thought enviously of all the advantages his brother possessed. Here he was, free from this wretched home, with a handsome independence of his own, over and above being the heir to the splendid family place. Surely he would help him. He lived very quietly, and could not be short of cash himself.