_Impecunious Person_. Ah! I'm a little bit late, but here's the place sure enough, and that's the number. Fine house, too. Nothing sharkish about _this_, anyhow. [_Makes for No. 14, consulting his watch. On door-step encounters another person, also apparently in a hurry, and also consulting his watch. This person is perhaps a trifle shabby-genteel in attire, but genially pompous and semi-military in bearing. He makes as if to go, but stopping suddenly, stares at_ I.P., _and addresses him._-- Ahem! I--a--beg pardon, I'm sure, but have you by any chance an appointment for 11 A.M. at this address, with a Mr. MUGSNAP? _I.P_. Why--a--yes, as a matter of fact, I have. _Mr. Mugsnap_. Quite so. And your name is SOFTSHELL? _I.P_. Well--yes, as a matter of fact, it is. _Mr. Mugsnap (cheerily_). Ah! that's all right. Well met, Mr. SOFTSHELL! (_Produces letter_.) This is yours, I fancy. The time was eleven sharp, and you're just seven minutes and a quarter behind. I was just off, for if I gave all my clients seven minutes and a quarter grace, I should lose about four hours a day, Sir. (_Laughs jovially_.) But no matter! Just step this way. (_Produces latch-key_.) But no, on second thoughts I won't go back. Unlucky, you know! We'll step across to the Wine Shades yonder, and talk our business over together with a glass of sound port, my boy. Best glass of port in London, BUMPUS sells, and as an old Army Man I appreciate it. [_They cross to "The Shades," where_ Mr. MUGSNAP _wins upon his companion by his hearty style, and all difficulties in the way of "an early advance" are smoothed away in a highly satisfactory manner. A couple of references, of course, "just as a matter of form," and a couple of guineas for visiting them. Not an Inquiry Fee, oh! dear no, merely "expenses." Some people apply for a loan, and, when everything is arranged, actually decline to receive it! Must provide against_ that, _you knew. Within three days at the outside_, Mr. SOFTSHELL _is assured, that money will be in his hands without fail. Meanwhile the "couple o' guineas" leave his hands, and_ Mr. MUGSNAP _leaves_ him, _hopeful, and admiring_. _I.P. (strolling homeward_). Very pleasant person, Mr. MUGSNAP. Quite a pleasure to deal with him. Sharks, indeed! How worthy people get misrepresented! By the way, though, there's one question I forgot to ask him. I'll just step back. Don't suppose he has gone yet. [_Returns to No. 14, Fitz-Guelph Mansions. Knocks, and is answered by smart and austere-looking Domestic._ _I.P_. Oh, just tell Mr. MUGSNAP I should like just _one_ word more with him. Won't detain him a moment. _Austere Domestic_. Mr. MUGSNAP! And who's Mr. MUGSNAP, pray? Don't know any sech persing. _I.P_. Oh yes, he lives here. Met him, by appointment, only an hour ago. Hasn't he returned? _A.D. (emphatically_). I tell you there ain't no Mr. MUGSNAP lives here at all. _I.P_. Oh _dear_, yes! Stout gentleman--military appearance--white waistcoat!