And do make it two months if you can, Mr Vavasor; they do charge so unconscionable on ninety days at them branch banks; they do indeed." George Vavasor and Mr Scruby, between them, yielded at last, so far as to allow the bill to be drawn for ninety-two pounds, but they were stanch as to the time.

"If it must be, it must," said the publican, with a deep sigh, as he folded up the paper and put it into the pocket of a huge case which he carried.

"And now, gents, I'll tell you what it is.

We'll make safe work of this here next election.

We know what's to be our little game in time, and if we don't go in and win, my name ain't Jacob Grimes, and I ain't the landlord of the 'Handsome Man.' As you gents has perhaps got something to say among yourselves, I'll make so bold as to wish you good morning." So, with that, Mr Grimes lifted his hat from the floor, and bowed himself out of the room.
"You couldn't have done it cheaper; you couldn't, indeed," said the lawyer, as soon as the sound of the closing front door had been heard.
"Perhaps not; but what a thief the man is! I remember your telling me that the bill was about the most preposterous you had ever seen." "So it was, and if we hadn't wanted him again of course we shouldn't have paid him.