He was returning from the Old
Magpie Lead, where he had been called to a case of scarlet fever, and
saw himself covering the same road daily for some time to come. But he
had learned to adjudge his patients in a winking; and these, he could
swear to it, would prove to be non-payers; of a kind even to cut and
run, once the child was out of danger. Was he really justified, cramped
for money as he was, in rejecting the straight tip Ocock had given him?
And he debated this moot point--argued his need against his principles
--the whole way home.
As soon as he had changed and seen his suspect clothing hung out to air,
he went impetuously back to Ocock's office. He had altered his mind. A
small gift from a grateful patient: yes, fifty, please; they might bring
him luck.--And he saw his name written down as the owner of half a
hundred shares.
After this, he took a new interest in the mining sheet of the STAR;
turned to it, indeed, first of all. For a week, a fortnight,
"Porepunkahs" remained stationary; then they made a call, and, if he did
not wish to forfeit, he had to pay out as many shillings as he held
shares. A day or two later they sank a trifle, and Mahony's hopes with
them. There even came a day when they were not mentioned; and he gave up
his money for lost. But of a sudden they woke to life again, took an
upward bound, and within a month were quoted at five pounds--on rumour
alone. "Very sensitive indeed," said the STAR.
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