CHAPTER FOURTEEN.
WHAT A HORSEWHIP DISCOVERED.
Mr Ratman's business interview with his friend was short and stormy.
When Captain Oliphant produced the hundred-pound note, and requested his creditor to accept a fresh bill for the balance, that injured gentleman broke out into very emphatic abuse.
"Likely, is it not ?" laughed he.

"You, a common thief, bring me, who've saved you from a convict's cell, here to be insulted and made a fool of by your miserable brats and servants, and then have the calmness to ask me to lend you a hundred pounds?
I admire your impudence, sir, and that's all I admire about you." "My dear fellow, how can you blame me--" "Blame you! You don't suppose I'm going to take the trouble to do that! Come, hand over the other hundred, sharp.

I've nothing to say to you till that's done." And Mr Ratman, digging his hands in his pockets, got up and walked to the fireplace.
Captain Oliphant's face fell.

He knew his man by this time, and had sense enough at least to know that this was no time for argument.

Yet he could not help snarling-- "I can only do part." "The whole--in five minutes--or there'll be interest to add!" retorted Mr Ratman.
With a groan Captain Oliphant flung down the second bank-note on the table.
"Take it, you coward! and may it help you to perdition!" "Thanks, very much," said Ratman, carefully putting away the money.
"I'm not going to ask you where the money came from.