"I have to work for my living," said Dick, brightly, "and if you insist upon my standing you a quartern of rum you'll have to carry the paste pot." "See you--hanged first," said Mr. Higgins, with a mirthless laugh. "Think better of it," said Dick, insinuatingly, holding out the paste pot. After a moment's hesitation Mr. Higgins thought better of it, and took the paste pot, with a grimace, to the imminent risk of the contents. Then Dick dismissed the printer's boy, and with the bundle of damp bills under his arm walked over to the publichouse, Mr. Higgins, carrying the shaking paste pot, and following close at his heels. "Where will you have your rum," he asked, "at the bar, or in a private room?" "Private room," said Mr. Higgins. "Better for all parties." They were soon accommodated, and liquor supplied, bitter ale for Dick, and rum for the old man, which he disposed of in one gulp. He then demanded another quartern, which Dick called for, and disposed of it in an equally expeditious manner. "You've got a swallow," said Dick. "Now, my Saint Vitus friend, what's your little game? Leave off your damnable twitchings, and begin." Mr. Higgins fumbled in his pockets, and produced three crumpled newspapers which, after much difficulty, he straightened out upon the table, a corner of his eye on Dick all the time he was thus employed. With tremulous forefinger, long a stranger to soap and nail brush, he pointed to a sketch portrait in an account of the inquest, which Dick recognised as intended for himself. It being evident that Mr. Higgins expected him to offer an observation on the libel, he said, "Who may this individual be? It's only a head and shoulders. Is it supposed to be a man or a woman?" "Yah!" was Mr. Higgins's sarcastic comment. "What are you giving us? Can't you read what's underneath?" "Can't you?" retorted Dick. "No," snarled Mr. Higgins, twitching, not with shame, but resentment. "Neglected as a kid, jumped upon as a man. But a worm'll turn when it's trod on, won't it?" "Not being a worm, can't say. Take your word for it." "And even a man that's been jumped on all his life can see a bit o' luck when it's ahead of him. Look here, young fellow; take the advice of a man old enough to be your father." "Say great grandfather," interrupted Dick, saucily, "and get it over in once."