Holt looked uneasy; for it seemed as if Mr Tooke was not going to lend him the money,--or to give it, which was what he had hoped, while using the word "lend." "I am glad you asked me," continued Mr Tooke; "for people, whether they be men or boys, can usually retrieve their affairs when they have resolution to face their difficulties. There is no occasion to say anything about how you got into debt. We must consider how you are to get out of it." "That is very kind indeed!" exclaimed Holt. "As to my lending you half-a-crown," continued Mr Tooke, "that would not be helping you out of debt; for if you had had any prospect of being able to pay half-a-crown, you would not have needed to apply to me at all." Holt sighed. Mr Tooke went on. "I cannot give you the money. I have less to give away than I should like to have, for the sake of the poor people round us. I cannot pay for a bet and school-fines while the children of our neighbours want clothes and fire." "No, sir, certainly," said both the boys. "What do people do, all the world over, when they want money?" asked Mr Tooke. Holt looked puzzled. Hugh smiled. Holt was hesitating whether to guess that they put into the lottery, or dig for treasure, or borrow from their friends, or what. Having always till lately lived in India, where Europeans are rather lazy, and life altogether is very languid, he did not see, as Hugh did, what Mr Tooke could mean. "When men come begging to our doors," said Mr Tooke, "what is the first question we ask them?" Holt still looked puzzled, and Hugh laughed, saying,-- "Why, Holt, you must know very well. We ask them whether they cannot get work." "Work!" cried Holt. "Yes," said Mr Tooke. "The fathers and uncles of both of you work for what money they have; and so do I; and so does every man among our neighbours who is satisfied with his condition. As far as I see, you must get the money you want in the same way." "Work!" exclaimed Holt again. "How is he to get work?" asked Hugh. "That is where I hope to assist him," replied Mr Tooke. "Are you willing to earn your half-crown, Holt?" "I don't know how, sir." "Widow Murray thinks she should have a better chance for a new lodger if her little parlour was fresh papered; but she is too rheumatic to do it herself, and cannot afford to engage a workman. If you like to try, under her directions, I will pay you as your work deserves." "But, sir, I never papered a room in my life."