It 's not to be supposed that I would be any hindrance to gentlemen in your situation ; that would be a singular thing ! '' cries he , and began to pull gold out of his pocket with a mighty red face . Alan said nothing , only looked on the ground . `` Will you step to the door with me , sir ? '' said I. Cluny said he would be very glad , and followed me readily enough , but he looked flustered and put out . `` And now , sir , '' says I , `` I must first acknowledge your generosity . '' `` Nonsensical nonsense ! '' cries Cluny . `` Where 's the generosity ? This is just a most unfortunate affair ; but what would ye have me do -- boxed up in this bee-skep of a cage of mine -- but just set my friends to the cartes , when I can get them ? And if they lose , of course , it 's not to be supposed -- '' And here he came to a pause . `` Yes , '' said I , `` if they lose , you give them back their money ; and if they win , they carry away yours in their pouches ! I have said before that I grant your generosity ; but to me , sir , it 's a very painful thing to be placed in this position . '' There was a little silence , in which Cluny seemed always as if he was about to speak , but said nothing . All the time he grew redder and redder in the face . `` I am a young man , '' said I , `` and I ask your advice . Advise me as you would your son . My friend fairly lost his money , after having fairly gained a far greater sum of yours ; can I accept it back again ? Would that be the right part for me to play ? Whatever I do , you can see for yourself it must be hard upon a man of any pride . ''
`` It 's rather hard on me , too , Mr. Balfour , '' said XXXXX , `` and ye give me very much the look of a man that has entrapped poor people to their hurt .
Alan Cluny bee-skep cartes first hindrance money nonsense right son