"But you put yourself out a good deal."
"If I did, it's all right."
"You acted as if you were my bosom friend."
"Thank you for the compliment."
"Don't you think I mean it?"
"Certainly I do, Mr. Polk."
"Don't Mister me, lieutenant. Call me Nuggy. I'm not proud, even if I have money to spend."
"Then, Nuggy, let me tell you that it is all right, and that I don't wish a cent of your money."
"But you might as well have it."
"Oh, don't offend the lieutenant," put in Nickerson, as Gilbert remained silent. "If he doesn't want your money, put it up."
"I don't wish to offend anybody, and I will put it up," said Nuggy Polk, stiffly. "But, if he wants ten or twenty dollars, he is welcome to it."
"Thanks, but you can't hire me to take it," laughed Gilbert. "Let us talk about something else. Tell me about Richmond. I am always interested in news from Virginia, You told me, I believe, that you are in the importing trade."
"Yes, my father and I run the Richmond Importing Company. We export as well as import."
