“But not pay for it,” stipulated the stout gentleman, in a tone that you might take as either jest or earnest.  “We’ll go shares in that, eh?”

“Unless you will allow me to be your host, we will certainly go shares,” said Richard, wondering to himself whether in all Gethin so great a boor as this could be found above-ground or beneath it, or making his business on the waters, but rather amused nevertheless.

“I don’t like misunderstandings,” explained the little man, “nor yet obligations.  It’s not that I grudge my money, or have not as much of it as I want, thank Heaven!”

“Then you’ve got more than any body else I know,” said Richard, laughing; “and I am acquainted with some rich men too.”

“I dare say, Sir; you are a rich man yourself, I hope.  You look like a young gentleman with plenty of money in your pocket.”

At any other time Richard would not have been displeased by such an observation, which was, moreover, a perfectly just one.  He looked from head to heel like a young man of fortune, and had been brought up as idly and uselessly as any such; but now he blushed and felt uncomfortable; and his fingers, in spite of himself, sought that breast-pocket which he had so carefully buttoned up, as though his companion’s observation had had a literal and material meaning.

“Do you know Plymouth?” asked he of the stranger, by way of turning the conversation.

“Perfectly.  Indeed, I live here; but I did not wish to arrive at home at such an unseasonable hour as the coach comes in.  If, as a resident, I can be of any service to you, pray command me.  But you don’t eat, Sir.”

Richard, indeed, was only playing with a piece of toast, while eggs and ham and marmalade were disappearing with marvelous rapidity down the throat of his companion.

“I am not like you,” he answered.  “Want of sleep produces want of appetite with me.  With respect to Plymouth, you are very good to offer me your hospitality, but—­”

“Services, Sir—­services while in the town, I said,” observed the little man.  “Let us have no misunderstanding, nor yet obligation; that’s my motto.  Now, what can I do for you, short of that?”

“Well, I shall not greatly tax your prudence,” rejoined Richard, this time laughing heartily, “though you must certainly be either a Scotchman or a lawyer, to be so anxious to act ‘without prejudice.’  The only information I have to ask of you is, at what time the bank opens; for I have got some business to do there, which I want to effect as soon as possible, and then be off.”

“The bank!  Well, there’s more than one bank in Plymouth,” observed the little man, scraping up the last shreds of marmalade on his plate.  “They open at different hours.”

“The Miners’ Company is the one I want to go to.”

“That opens at nine, Sir.  It’s on my way home, and I shall be glad to show it you.”

“Thank you; but it was pointed out to me last night,” said Richard, stiffly; for he preferred to effect the business which he had on hand alone.  “It is still raining.  What do you say to a cigar in the smoking-room?”