'Why, to tell you the truth, Tom,' replied his friend, 'he is not always
so. If you'll take my advice, you'll avoid him as much as you can, in
the event of your encountering him again. And by no means, Tom--pray
bear this in mind, for I am very serious--by no means lend him money any
more.'
'Aye, aye!' said Tom, with his eyes wide open.
'He is very far from being a reputable acquaintance,' returned young
Westlock; 'and the more you let him know you think so, the better for
you, Tom.'
'I say, John,' quoth Mr Pinch, as his countenance fell, and he shook
his head in a dejected manner. 'I hope you are not getting into bad
company.'
'No, no,' he replied laughing. 'Don't be uneasy on that score.'
'Oh, but I AM uneasy,' said Tom Pinch; 'I can't help it, when I hear you
talking in that way. If Mr Tigg is what you describe him to be, you have
no business to know him, John. You may laugh, but I don't consider it by
any means a laughing matter, I assure you.'
'No, no,' returned his friend, composing his features. 'Quite right. It
is not, certainly.'
'You know, John,' said Mr Pinch, 'your very good nature and kindness of
heart make you thoughtless, and you can't be too careful on such a
point as this.
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