The new one, on the other hand, had no impulse but to laugh at the recollection of Tom's extreme absurdity; and mingled with his amusement there was something slighting and contemptuous, indicative, as it appeared, of his opinion that Mr Pinch was much too far gone in simplicity to be admitted as the friend, on serious and equal terms, of any rational man.
John Westlock, who did nothing by halves, if he could help it, had provided beds for his two guests in the hotel; and after a very happy evening, they retired.

Mr Pinch was sitting on the side of his bed with his cravat and shoes off, ruminating on the manifold good qualities of his old friend, when he was interrupted by a knock at his chamber door, and the voice of John himself.
'You're not asleep yet, are you, Tom ?' 'Bless you, no! not I.I was thinking of you,' replied Tom, opening the door.

'Come in.' 'I am not going to detail you,' said John; 'but I have forgotten all the evening a little commission I took upon myself; and I am afraid I may forget it again, if I fail to discharge it at once.

You know a Mr Tigg, Tom, I believe ?' 'Tigg!' cried Tom.

'Tigg! The gentleman who borrowed some money of me ?' 'Exactly,' said John Westlock.