Then, by good luck, Allchin was enabled to resume his vocation; he got a place at a grocer's in Fulham Road, and in a few weeks presented himself before his benefactor, bringing half-a-crown as a first instalment toward the discharge of his debt; for only on this condition had he accepted the money.

Half a year elapsed without troublesome incident; the man made regular repayment in small sums; then came the disaster which Mrs.
Hopper had yesterday announced.
"Well, Allchin," cried Warburton, "what's the latest ?" Before speaking, the other pressed his lips tightly together and puffed out his cheeks, as if it cost him an effort to bring words to the surface.

His reply came forth with explosive abruptness.
"Lost my place at Boxon's, sir." "And how's that ?" "It happened last Saturday, sir.

I don't want to make out as I wasn't at all to blame.

I know as well as anybody that I've got a will of my own.