"Don't make little of _black_guards," said Bill, "nor spake disparagingly of _your own_ crest." "Why, what would you bring, you brazen rascal, if you were fairly put up at auction?" "Faith, I'd bring more bidders than you would," said Bill, "if you were to go off at auction to-morrow. I tell you they should bid _downwards_ to come to your value, Nicholas. We have no coin _small_ enough to purchase you." "Well, no matter," said Nick. "If you are willing to be mine at the expiration of seven years, I will give you more money than ever the rascally breed of you was worth." "Done!" said Bill; "but no disparagement to my family, in the meantime; so down with the hard cash, and don't be a _neger_." The money was accordingly paid down! but as nobody was present, except the giver and receiver, the amount of what Bill got was never known. "Won't you give me a luck-penny?" said the old gentleman. "Tut," said Billy, "so prosperous an old fellow as you cannot want it; however, bad luck to you, with all my heart! and it's rubbing grease to a fat pig to say so. Be off now, or I'll commit suicide on you. Your absence is a cordial to most people, you infernal old profligate. You have injured my morals even for the short time you have been with me; for I don't find myself so virtuous as I was." "Is that your gratitude, Billy?" "Is it gratitude _you_ speak of, man? I wonder you don't blush when you name it. However, when you come again, if you bring a third eye in your head you will see what I mane, Nicholas, ahagur." The old gentleman, as Bill spoke, hopped across the ditch, on his way to _Downing_-street, where of late 'tis thought he possesses much influence. Bill now began by degrees to show off; but still wrought a little at his trade to blindfold the neighbours. In a very short time, however, he became a great man. So long indeed as he was a _poor_ rascal, no decent person would speak to him; even the proud serving-men at the "Big House" would turn up their noses at him. And he well deserved to be made little of by others, because he was mean enough to make little of himself. But when it was seen and known that he had oceans of money, it was wonderful to think, although he was _now_ a greater blackguard than ever, how those who despised him before began to come round him and court his company. Bill, however, had neither sense nor spirit to make those sunshiny friends know their distance; not he--instead of that he was proud to be seen in decent company, and so long as the money lasted, it was, "hail fellow, well met," between himself and every fair-faced _spunger_ who had a horse under him, a decent coat to his back, and a good appetite to eat his dinners. With riches and all, Bill was the same man still; but, somehow or other, there is a great difference between a rich profligate and a poor one, and Bill found it so to his cost in _both_ cases.