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'Oh, that's another matter,' replied our friend; 'if we can turn the thing
to account, well and good--I'm your man for a shy.'
'We _can_ turn it to account,' rejoined Jack; 'we _can_ turn it to
account--at least _I_ can; but then you must do it. He wouldn't take it as
any compliment from me. It's the stranger that sees all things in their
true lights. D'ye understand?' asked he eagerly.
'I twig,' replied Sponge.
'You write the account,' continued Jack, 'and I'll manage the rest.'
'You must help me,' observed Sponge.
'Certainly,' replied Jack; 'we'll do it together, and go halves in the
plunder.'
'Humph,' mused Sponge: 'halves,' said he to himself. 'And what will you
give me for my half?' asked he.
'Give you!' exclaimed Jack, brightening up. 'Give you! Let me see,'
continued he, pretending to consider--'Puff's rich--Puff's a liberal
fellow--Puff's a conceited beggar--mix it strong,' said Jack, 'and I'll
give you ten pounds.'
'Make it twelve,' replied Sponge, after a pause.
If Jack had said twelve.


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