'Look here, uncle. Listen. Mark my words. I have two to say to you, and two only. Good-morning.'
Tom hastened from the room, and went down into the shop by the shop-stairs. The cashier of the establishment was opening the safe.
'Mr. Perkins,' said Tom lightly, 'uncle wants change for a ten-pound note, in gold.'
'Certainly, Mr. Tom. With pleasure.'
'Oh!' Tom explained, as though the notion had just struck him, taking the sovereigns, 'the note! I'll bring it down in a jiffy.'
'That's all right, Mr. Tom,' said the cashier, smiling with suave confidence.
Tom ran up to his room, passing his uncle on the way. He snatched his hat and stick, and descended rapidly into the street by the house-stairs. He chose this effective and picturesque method of departing for ever from the hearth and home of Mr. Knight.