I served my time, and I think it crazed me a bit though it was only a month; at any rate, I was what they call a crank when I came out, which I wasn't when I went in.

Then I set to work and showed up those for whom I had done time--living or dead they'll never forget Stephen Strong, I'll warrant--and after that I turned to and became the head of the Radical party and one of the richest men in Dunchester; why, I might have been in Parliament half a dozen times over if I had chosen, although I am only a draper.

Now, if I have done all this, why can't you, who have twice my brains and education, do as much?
"Nobody will employ you?
I will find folk who will employ you.

Action for damages?
I'll stand the shot of that however it goes; I love a lawsuit, and a thousand or two won't hurt me.

And now I came round here to ask you to supper, and I think you'll be better drinking port with Stephen Strong than hell-fire with another tradesman, whom I won't name.
Before we go, however, just give me your word of honour that there shall be no more of this sort of thing," and he pointed to the broken glass, "now or afterwards, as I don't want to be mixed up with inquests." "I promise," I answered presently.
"That will do," said Mr.Strong, as he led the way to the door.
I need not dwell upon the further events of that evening, inasmuch as they were almost a repetition of those of the previous night.
Mrs.Strong received me kindly in her faded fashion, and, after a few inquiries about the trial, sought refuge in her favourite topic of the lost Tribes.