Prize Money Page #4

"Prize Money" by W. W. Jacobs is a humorous short story that revolves around the misadventures of a group of friends who become entangled in a betting scheme. The narrative highlights the quirks of human nature, the folly of greed, and the unpredictability of luck. Jacobs' witty prose and colorful characters bring to life the charm of early 20th-century England, making it a delightful exploration of camaraderie and the consequences of unexpected fortune.

• Humour
• Short story

								


“He never left no money on the mantelpiece,” ses Sam Jones, at last.

“Don't you believe it. You go to jail, Henery.”

“Anything sooner than be done by Bob Pretty,” ses George Kettle.

“There's not much doing now, Henery,” ses Bill Chambers, in a soft
voice.

Henery Walker wouldn't listen to 'em, and he jumped up and carried on
like a madman. His idea was for 'em all to club together to pay the
money, and to borrow it from Smith, the landlord, to go on with. They
wouldn't 'ear of it at fust, but arter Smith 'ad pointed out that they
might 'ave to go to jail with Henery, and said things about 'is license,
they gave way. Bob Pretty was just starting off to see Policeman White
when they took the money, and instead o' telling 'im wot they thought
of 'im, as they 'ad intended, Henery Walker 'ad to walk alongside of 'im
and beg and pray of 'im to take the money. He took it at last as a
favor to Henery, and bought the hamper back with it next morning—cheap.
Leastways, he said so.
								Rate this book:0.0 / 0 votes