text:  He stammered out his request to the board with as much confidence as he could command; but whether his awkward way and manner or his unsteady look or the wealth which it was supposed he possessed or the nickname which he bore--whether one or all of these gave rise to suspicion and alarm it is very certain that although friend Nicholas received fine words enough to tear his pocket open not one farthing of money did he catch but was fain to return home as rich as he had come