My late partner, Hoff, has given bills in the name of the firm to an enormous amount, and I have been obliged to meet them.

I have been cast in fourteen actions, brought by creditors of that infernal Ginger Beer Company; and all the debts are put upon my shoulders, on account of my known wealth.

Now, unless I have time, I cannot pay; and the long and short of the matter is that if I cannot procure 5,000_l_.

before Saturday, _our concern is ruined_!" "What! the West Diddlesex ruined ?" says I, thinking of my poor mother's annuity.

"Impossible! our business is splendid!" "We must have 5,000_l_.