"You're wondering how so much comes to the like of me," he said. "Well,
it's easily answered. I sold my berth in the 'Good Queen Anne'-about
the neatest boat in the docks, and the jolliest berth a feller ever
had the luck to find-for this yer money. It comes in handy now as I'm
about to be wed. But don't change it if you have no mind to, Mr.
Tiggins. I can pass it in at the bank to-morrow morning."
At these words Bet turned deadly pale and gripped her companion's arm.
"No," she whispered hoarsely: "we must have the change to-night."
Higgins, who had been watching the pair, now spoke in that oily and
seductive tone which had brought many excellent customers to his door.
"What do you take me for, Scarlett?" he said. "Ain't you, so to speak,
an old friend, and one of the best customers as this yer house can
wish to see? Of course I'll change the notes, man, and good luck to
you and your lass there. Yes--of course I'll change the notes; but
seeing as I'm poor, and the times is 'ard, you won't object to the
usual percentage for obleeging a neighbor?"
"And what's that?" said Will.
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