So for the present I have nothing to do but sit down, and pray for the worst, as my only chance of getting paid?

There is nothing else for it;—very little business doing just now, as you see, owing to the peace.

That is just as well, though it does keep me waiting for my money. After all, though, Charon, in old days men were men; you remember the state they used to come down in,—all blood and wounds generally. Nowadays, a man is poisoned by his slave or his wife; or gets dropsy from overfeeding; a pale, spiritless lot, nothing like-the men of old. Most of them seem to meet their end in some plot that has money for its object.

Ah; money is in great request.

Yes; you can’t blame me if I am somewhat urgent for payment.