The stranger produced a small ink-horn, saying, 'The receipt, if you please.'
'I don't know,' said Bloodworth; 'I would rather convey an important document in another way. Why, if charged with this for me, did you wait to meet me here, instead of seeking me at my own dwelling?'
The stranger held the ink-horn. 'Sign the receipt, man,' he said, not deigning to answer the question.
With much reluctance he drew out the papers, and doing as the stranger bade him, delivered the document into his hands.
'What brings you here?' he said, looking nervously at him.
'What brings you here?' said the stranger.
'My business,' answered Bloodworth doggedly.
'And I was brought here by your business and my pleasure.'
'Had you any message?' asked the steward, cowed by the stranger's manner.
'No other than I have delivered; but tell me how long do you mean to pursue this work? Take my advice; repent, and make a clean breast of it, or you will be caught in your own toils.'