"And I won't get my reward?" he faltered. "You will sheat a poor man's out of his earnings."
"Who talks of cheating you," said Mr. Hollywell.
"I am ready to pay you," pursued Mr. Mellen; "I would rather give double the price of the bracelet than not get it."
Mr. Hollywell made a sign of caution; such words would increase the old rascal's cupidity to a height money could hardly satisfy, but they were interrupted by a groan from the Jew.
"And it ish gone!" cried he; "and so leetle paid—so leetle paid. The good gentleman would have given more."
"Gone!" repeated Mr. Mellen.
"Why didn't you say so?" asked Mr. Hollywell angrily. "It was only yesterday you told me it was safe in your possession."
"Yes, yes, I knows, and so I had."
"Where is it, then?"
"The man came for it—he has brought his ticket, paid his money and took the bracelet; I was out—my boy let him have it! Oh, my reward—my reward!"