The proposal seemed to astonish Plushkin, for he sat staring open-eyed.

At length he inquired: "My dear sir, have you seen military service ?" "No," replied the other warily, "but I have been a member of the CIVIL Service." "Oh! Of the CIVIL Service ?" And Plushkin sat moving his lips as though he were chewing something.

"Well, what of your proposal ?" he added presently.

"Are you prepared to lose by it ?" "Yes, certainly, if thereby I can please you." "My dear sir! My good benefactor!" In his delight Plushkin lost sight of the fact that his nose was caked with snuff of the consistency of thick coffee, and that his coat had parted in front and was disclosing some very unseemly underclothing.

"What comfort you have brought to an old man! Yes, as God is my witness!" For the moment he could say no more.