"Yes, it will, by Jove; and--a--a--what's more--there's--hem!--you understand?" "Go on, I beg, my dear Mr. Titmouse"---- "There's a lady in the case--not that she's _said_ anything; but a nod's as good as a wink to a blind horse--eh? Mr. Gammon?" "I should think so--Miss Tag-rag will have money, of course?" "You've hit it! Lots! But I've not made up my mind." [I'd better undeceive this poor devil at once, as to this sordid wretch Tag-rag, (thought Gammon,) otherwise the cunning old rogue may get a very mischievous hold upon him! And a _lady in the case_! The old scamp has a daughter! Whew! this will never do! The sooner I enlighten my young friend the better--though at a little risk.] "It's very important to be able to tell who are real and who false friends, as I was saying just now, my dear Titmouse," said Gammon, seriously. "I think so. Now look for instance, there's that fellow Huckaback. I should say _he_"---- "Pho! pho! my dear sir, a mere beetle--he's not worth thinking of, one way or the other. But can't you guess another sham friend, who has changed so suddenly?" "Do you mean Mr. Tag-rag--eh?" "I mention no names; but it's rather odd, that when I am speaking of hollow-hearted friends, _you_ should at once name Mr. Tag-rag--ah, ha, Mr. Titmouse!" "The proof of the pudding--handsome is that handsome does; and I've got £5 of his money, at any rate." "Of course he took no _security_ for such a trifle, between such _very_ close friends?" "Oh--why--now you mention it--But 'twas only a line--one line--a mere _mem._ betwixt two gents--and I noticed it had no stamp!" "I guessed as much, my dear sir," interrupted Gammon, calmly, with a significant smile--"Tag-rag and Huckaback are quite on a par--a brace of worthies--ah, ha, ha! My dear Titmouse, you are too honest and confiding!" "What keen eyes you lawyers have to be sure! Well--I never"--said Titmouse, looking very grave--for he was evidently somewhat staggered. "I--I--must say," he presently added, looking gratefully at Gammon, "I think I _do_ now know of a true friend, that sent me two five-pound notes, and never asked for any security." "My dear sir, you really pain me by alluding to such a matter!" [Oh, Gammon, is not this too bad? What are the papers which you know are now in your pocket, signed only this very evening by Titmouse?] "You are not a match for Tag-rag, Mr. Titmouse; because he was _made_ for a tradesman--you are not. Do you think he would have parted with his £5 but for value received? Oh, Tag-rag! Tag-rag!" "I--I really begin to think, Mr. Gammon--'pon my soul, I do think you're right." "Think!--why--for a man of your acuteness--how could he imagine you could forget the long course of insult and tyranny which you have endured under him: that he should change all of a sudden--just now, when"---- "Ay, by Jove! just when I'm coming into my property," interrupted Titmouse, quickly.