They were, moreover, fast friends themselves; but not the less on that account had Brown a mortal fear of Robinson, as also had Robinson a mortal fear of Brown.
Then came the bachelors.

First there was Uppinall, who, when he entered the office, was supposed to know everything which a young man had ever known.

Those who looked most to dead knowledge were inclined to back him as first favourite.

It had, however, been remarked, that his utility as a clerk had not been equal to the profundity of his acquirements.

Of all the candidates he was the most self-confident.
The next to him was Mr.A.Minusex, a wondrous arithmetician.