“There was an eggsterrordinary noise from where my missis was standing; like the gurgling water makes sometimes running down the kitchen sink at 'ome, only worse. Then they all started talking together, and 'arf-a- dozen times or more Miss Lamb called me to back 'er up in wot she was saying, but I only shook my 'ead, and at last, arter tossing her 'ead at Cap'n Tarbell and telling 'im she wouldn't 'ave 'im if he'd got fifty million a year, the five of 'em 'eld my missis while she went off. “They gave 'er ten minutes' start, and then Cap'n Tarbell, arter looking at me and shaking his 'ead, said he was afraid they must be going. “'And I 'ope this night'll be a lesson to you,' he ses. 'Don't neglect your dooty again. I shall keep my eye on you, and if you be'ave yourself I sha'n't say anything. Why, for all you know or could ha' done the wharf might ha' been burnt to the ground while you was away!' “He nodded to his crew, and they all walked out laughing and left me alone--with the missis.” [Illustration: Mr. Chase, with his friend in his powerful grasp, was doing his best, as he expressed it, to shake the life out of him] FAIRY GOLD “Come and have a pint and talk it over,” said Mr. Augustus Teak. “I've got reasons in my 'ead that you don't dream of, Alf.” Mr. Chase grunted and stole a side-glance at the small figure of his companion. “All brains, you are, Gussie,” he remarked. “That's why it is you're so well off.” “Come and have a pint,” repeated the other, and with surprising ease pushed his bulky friend into the bar of the “Ship and Anchor.” Mr. Chase, mellowed by a long draught, placed his mug on the counter and eyeing him kindly, said-- “I've been in my lodgings thirteen years.” “I know,” said Mr. Teak; “but I've got a partikler reason for wanting you. Our lodger, Mr. Dunn, left last week, and I only thought of you yesterday. I mentioned you to my missis, and she was quite pleased. You see, she knows I've known you for over twenty years, and she wants to make sure of only 'aving honest people in the 'ouse. She has got a reason for it.” He closed one eye and nodded with great significance at his friend. “Oh!” said Mr. Chase, waiting. “She's a rich woman,” said Mr. Teak, pulling the other's ear down to his mouth. “She--” “When you've done tickling me with your whiskers,” said Mr. Chase, withdrawing his head and rubbing his ear vigorously, “I shall be glad.” Mr. Teak apologized. “A rich woman,” he repeated. “She's been stinting me for twenty-nine years and saving the money--my money!--money that I 'ave earned with the sweat of my brow. She 'as got over three 'undred pounds!” “'Ow much?” demanded Mr. Chase. “Three 'undred pounds and more,” repeated the other; “and if she had 'ad the sense to put it in a bank it would ha' been over four 'undred by this time. Instead o' that she keeps it hid in the 'Ouse.” “Where?” inquired the greatly interested Mr. Chase.