Some of us go up, you know.

Some of us go down.
You're doing pretty well, I hear." "I suppose so," I replied; "I've climbed a few feet up a greasy pole, and am trying to stick there.

But it is of you I want to talk.

Can't I do anything for you ?" We were passing under a gas-lamp at the moment.

He thrust his face forward close to mine, and the light fell full and pitilessly upon it.
"Do I look like a man you could do anything for ?" he said.
We walked on in silence side by side, I casting about for words that might seize hold of him.
"You needn't worry about me," he continued after a while, "I'm comfortable enough.