“It cost me a pound,” said Jason grimly.

“Very well; I’ll buy it for five pounds. Is that agreed?”

Jason pondered a little.

“Why do you want that thing? To bury it?”

“Perhaps that’s it! How discerning you are!” And Wolf smiled genially at him.

“Very well, I’ll sell it to you.” He paused for a moment. “And if you could let me have that five pounds tomorrow, I should be very much obliged.”

“Good Lord!” thought Wolf to himself. “I’ve done it now! Probably they keep the poor wretch without a penny, to stop him from drinking.”

“I’m not sure that I can manage it tomorrow,” he said affably, “but you shall have it, Mr. Otter; and I’m sure I’m very grateful to you.”