I am most anxious to be of use to
you. How long do you think, doctor, that this gentleman will in all
probability live?"
"Well, well, it's rather a delicate question to answer," said Dr.
Proudie, with a show of embarrassment.
"Not a bit, sir. Out with it! I have faced death too often to flinch
from it now, though I saw it as near me as you are."
"Well, well, we must go by averages of course. Shall we say two years?
I should think that you have a full two years before you."
"In two years your pension would bring you in L1,600. Now I will do my
very best for you, Admiral! I will advance you L2,000, and you can make
over to me your pension for your life. It is pure speculation on my
part. If you die to-morrow I lose my money. If the doctor's prophecy
is correct I shall still be out of pocket. If you live a little longer,
then I may see my money again. It is the very best I can do for you."
"Then you wish to buy my pension?"
"Yes, for two thousand down."
"And if I live for twenty years?"
"Oh, in that case of course my speculation would be more successful.
But you have heard the doctor's opinion."
"Would you advance the money instantly?"
"You should have a thousand at once.
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