“Tolerable,” returned Mr. Venus. “Not much to boast of.”

“In‑deed!” said Wegg: “sorry, partner, that you’re not picking up faster, but your soul’s too large for your body, sir; that’s where it is. And how’s our stock in trade, partner? Safe bind, safe find, partner? Is that about it?”

“Do you wish to see it?” asked Venus.

“If you please, partner,” said Wegg, rubbing his hands. “I wish to see it jintly with yourself. Or, in similar words to some that was set to music some time back:

‘I wish you to see it with your eyes,

And I will pledge with mine.’ ”