Am I to understand that the bank will pay back to my uncle, within a day or so, three-quarters of the money they stole from him ?" "STOLE, sir!" chided Gadgem, his outstretched forefinger wig-wagging a Fie! Fie! gesture of disapproval--"STOLE is not a pretty word--actionable, sir--DANgerously actionable--a question of the watch-house, and, if I might be permitted to say--a bit of COLD lead--Perhaps you will allow me to suggest the word 'maNIPulated,' sir--the money the bank maNIPulated from your confiding and inexperienced uncle--that is safer and it is equally EXpressive.

He! He!" "Well, will he get the money ?" cried Harry, his face lighting up, his interest in the outcome outweighing his amusement over Gadgem's antics and expressions.
"He WILL, sir," rejoined Gadgem decisively.
"And you are so sure of it that you would be willing to advance one-half the amount if the account was turned over to you this minute ?" cried Harry eagerly.
"No sir--not one-half--ALL of it--less a TRIfling commission for my services of say one per cent.

When you say 'this minute,' sir, I must reply that the brevity of the area of action becomes a trifle ACUTE, yes, ALARMingly acute.

I haven't the money myself, sir--that is, not about my person--but I can get it in an hour, sir--in less time, if Mr.
Temple is willing.

That was my purpose in coming here, sir--that was why Mr.Pawson sent for me, sir; and it is but fair to say that you can thank your DIStinguished father for it all, sir--he has worked night and day to do it.