"Come and have a pint and talk it over," said Mr. Augustus Teak. "I've
got reasons in my 'ead that you don't dream of, Alf."

Mr. Chase grunted and stole a side-glance at the small figure of his
companion. "All brains, you are, Gussie," he remarked. "That's why it
is you're so well off."

"Come and have a pint," repeated the other, and with surprising ease
pushed his bulky friend into the bar of the "Ship and Anchor." Mr.
Chase, mellowed by a long draught, placed his mug on the counter and
eyeing him kindly, said--

"I've been in my lodgings thirteen years."

"I know," said Mr. Teak; "but I've got a partikler reason for wanting
you. Our lodger, Mr. Dunn, left last week, and I only thought of you
yesterday. I mentioned you to my missis, and she was quite pleased. You
see, she knows I've known you for over twenty years, and she wants to
make sure of only 'aving honest people in the 'ouse. She has got a
reason for it."

He closed one eye and nodded with great significance at his friend.

"Oh!" said Mr. Chase, waiting.

"She's a rich woman," said Mr. Teak, pulling the other's ear down to his
mouth. "She--"