He produced a long purse, with the greatest coolness, and counted them out on the table and pushed them over to me. This was the first time he had taken his leg from the chair. He sat astride of the chair when he had pushed the money over, and sat swinging his purse and eyeing Joe.

     "Well, Joseph Gargery? You look dumbfoundered?"

     "I am!" said Joe, in a very decided manner.

     "It was understood that you wanted nothing for yourself, remember?"

     "It were understood," said Joe. "And it are understood. And it ever will be similar according."

     "But what," said Mr. Jaggers, swinging his purse,--"what if it was in my instructions to make you a present, as compensation?"

     "As compensation what for?" Joe demanded.

     "For the loss of his services."