"Mr.Grotait, we have lost our bands." "You surprise me." "And perhaps you can tell us how to get them back." "Experience teaches that they always come back when the men pay their arrears." "Well, it is agreed to stop the sum due, out of wages." "A very proper course." "What is it we have got to pay ?" "How can I tell you without book?
Pray, Mr.Little, don't imagine that I set these matters agate.

All I do is to mediate afterward.

I'll go and look at the contribution-book." He went out, and soon returned, and told them it was one sovereign contribution from each man, and five shillings each for Mary Anne.
"What, for her services in rattening us ?" said Little, dryly.
"And her risk," suggested Grotait, in dulcet tones.
Little paid the five pounds, and then asked Grotait for the bands.
"Good heavens, Mr.Little, do you think I have got your bands ?" "You must excuse Mr.Little, sir," said Bayne.

"He is a stranger, and doesn't know the comedy.

Perhaps you will oblige us with a note where we can find them." "Hum!" said Grotait, with the air of one suddenly illuminated.