"but the little money we have has a long way to carry us."

Alan took his under-lip into his mouth, and looked upon the ground.

"David," says he at last, "I've lost it; there's the naked truth."

"My money too?" said I.

"Your money too," says Alan, with a groan. "Ye shouldnae have given it

me. I'm daft when I get to the cartes."

"Hoot-toot! hoot-toot!" said Cluny. "It was all daffing; it's all

nonsense. Of course you'll have your money back again, and the double of

it, if ye'll make so free with me. It would be a singular thing for me

to keep it. It's not to be supposed that I would be any hindrance to

gentlemen in your situation; that would be a singular thing!" cries he,

and began to pull gold out of his pocket with a mighty red face.

Alan said nothing, only looked on the ground.

"Will you step to the door with me, sir?" said I.

Cluny said he would be very glad, and followed me readily enough, but he

looked flustered and put out.

"And now, sir," says I, "I must first acknowledge your generosity."

"Nonsensical nonsense!" cries Cluny. "Where's the generosity? This is

just a most unfortunate affair; but what would ye have me do--boxed

up in this bee-skep of a cage of mine--but just set my friends to the

cartes, when I can get them? And if they lose, of course, it's not to be

supposed----" And here he came to a pause.

"Yes," said I, "if they lose, you give them back their money; and if

they win, they carry away yours in their pouches! I have said before

that I grant your generosity; but to me, sir, it's a very painful thing

to be placed in this position."

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