These
expressions are not exaggerated, they scarcely serve to
express the agitation of my mind. And think, sir, how
easily you can restore me to hope and, I may say, to
reason. A small loan, which shall be faithfully
repaid. Five hundred dollars would be ample." He
watched me with burning eyes. "Four hundred would do.
I believe, Mr. Dodd, that I could manage with economy
on two."
"And then you will repay me out of Carthew's pocket?" I
said. "I am much obliged. But I will tell you what I
will do: I will see you on board a steamer, pay your
fare through to San Francisco, and place fifty dollars
in the purser's hands, to be given you in New York."
He drank in my words; his face represented an ecstasy
of cunning thought. I could read there, plain as
print, that he but thought to overreach me.
"And what am I to do in 'Frisco?" he asked. "I am
disbarred, I have no trade, I cannot dig, to beg----"
he paused in the citation. "And you know that I am not
alone," he added, "others depend upon me."
"I will write to Pinkerton," I returned.
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