Money is on your side, and hunger and thirst
on mine. You may drive an easy bargain.'
'Is that all?' said Ralph, still eyeing his companion with the same
steady look, and moving nothing but his lips.
'It depends on you, Mr Nickleby, whether that's all or not,' was the
rejoinder.
'Why then, harkye, Mr--, I don't know by what name I am to call you,'
said Ralph.
'By my old one, if you like.'
'Why then, harkye, Mr Brooker,' said Ralph, in his harshest accents,
'and don't expect to draw another speech from me. Harkye, sir. I know
you of old for a ready scoundrel, but you never had a stout heart; and
hard work, with (maybe) chains upon those legs of yours, and shorter
food than when I "pinched" and "ground" you, has blunted your wits, or
you would not come with such a tale as this to me. You a hold upon me!
Keep it, or publish it to the world, if you like.'
'I can't do that,' interposed Brooker. 'That wouldn't serve me.'
'Wouldn't it?' said Ralph. 'It will serve you as much as bringing it to
me, I promise you. To be plain with you, I am a careful man, and know my
affairs thoroughly. I know the world, and the world knows me.
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