"Why then, Peterby--what of Sir Mortimer Carnaby?"
"He managed it by going into the ring with Jack Fearby, the 'Young
Ruffian,' and beating him in twenty-odd rounds for one thing, and
winning a cross-country race--"
"Ha!" exclaimed Barnabas, "a race!" and so he fell to staring up at
the ceiling again.
"But I fear, sir," continued Peterby, "that in making him your enemy,
you have damned your chances at the very outset, as I told you."
"A race!" said Barnabas again, vastly thoughtful.
"And therefore," added Peterby, leaning nearer in his earnestness,
"since you honor me by asking my advice, I would strive with all my
power to dissuade you."
"John Peterby--why?"
"Because, in the first place, I know it to be impossible."
"I begin to think not, John."
"Why, then, because--it's dangerous!"
"Danger is everywhere, more or less, John."
"And because, sir, because you--you--" Peterby rose, and stood with
bent head and hands outstretched, "because you gave a miserable
wretch another chance to live; and therefore I--I would not see you
crushed and humiliated. Ah, sir! I know this London, I know those
who make up the fashionable world. Sir, it is a heartless world,
cruel and shallow, where inexperience is made a mock of--generosity
laughed to scorn; where he is most respected who can shoot the
straightest; where men seldom stoop to quarrel, but where death is
frequent, none the less--and, sir, I could not bear--I--I wouldn't
have you cut off thus--!"
Peterby stopped suddenly, and his head sank lower; but as he stood
Barnabas rose, and coming to him, took his hand into his own firm
clasp.
"Thank you, John Peterby," said he. "You may be the best valet in
the world--I hope you are--but I know that you are a man, and, as a
man, I tell you that I have decided upon going on with the adventure."
"Then I cannot hope to dissuade you, sir?"
"No, John!"
"Indeed, I feared not."
"It was for this I came to London, and I begin--at once."
"Very good, sir."
"Consequently, you have a busy day before you; you see I shall
require, first of all, clothes, John; then--well, I suppose a house
to live in--"
"A--house, sir?"
"In a fashionable quarter, and furnished, if possible."
"A lodging, St. James's Street way, is less expensive, sir, and more
usual."
"Good!" said Barnabas; "to buy a house will be more original, at
least. Then there must be servants, horses--vehicles--but you will
understand--"
"Certainly, sir."
"Well then, John--go and get 'em."
"Sir?" exclaimed Peterby.
"Go now, John," said Barnabas, pulling out his purse, "this very
moment."
"But," stammered Peterby, "but, sir--you will--"
"I shall stay here--I don't intend to stir out until you have me
dressed as I should be--in 'clothes that exist,' John!"