"Thank you, John Peterby," said he. "You may be the best valet in
the world--I hope you are--but I know that you are a man, and, as a
man, I tell you that I have decided upon going on with the adventure."
"Then I cannot hope to dissuade you, sir?"
"No, John!"
"Indeed, I feared not."
"It was for this I came to London, and I begin--at once."
"Very good, sir."
"Consequently, you have a busy day before you; you see I shall
require, first of all, clothes, John; then--well, I suppose a house
to live in--"
"A--house, sir?"
"In a fashionable quarter, and furnished, if possible."
"A lodging, St. James's Street way, is less expensive, sir, and more
usual."
"Good!" said Barnabas; "to buy a house will be more original, at
least. Then there must be servants, horses--vehicles--but you will
understand--"
"Certainly, sir."
"Well then, John--go and get 'em."
"Sir?" exclaimed Peterby.
"Go now, John," said Barnabas, pulling out his purse, "this very
moment."
"But," stammered Peterby, "but, sir--you will--"
"I shall stay here--I don't intend to stir out until you have me
dressed as I should be--in 'clothes that exist,' John!"
"But you--don't mean to--to entrust--everything--to--me?"
"Of course, John.
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