He had left me in it with the doctor before he went out: was he disappointed at not finding me in it on his return?
While this thought was passing through my mind, the stranger resumed his explanations.
"We are here," he said, "as agents appointed to transact private business, out of London, for Mr.Manasseh, with whom you have dealings, I think ?" "Certainly," said the doctor, with a smile.
"And who owes you a little account, which we are appointed to settle." "Just so!" remarked the doctor, pleasantly rubbing his hands one over the other.

"My good friend, Mr.Manasseh, does not like to trust the post, I suppose?
Very glad to make your acquaintance, gentlemen.

Have you got the little memorandum about you ?" "Yes; but we think there is a slight inaccuracy in it.

Have you any objection to let us refer to your ledger ?" "Not the least in the world.

Screw, go down into my private laboratory, open the table-drawer nearest the window, and bring up a locked book, with a parchment cover, which you will find in it." As Screw obeyed I saw a look pass between him and the two strangers which made me begin to feel a little uneasy.