“It isn’t what you said—it’s your manner of saying it that was unworthy of you. You mean to apologize for wounding my feelings, don’t you?” Jetsam smiled. “No, don’t move; merely express your regret!”
“I’m sorry,” muttered Ilam.
“There—you see!” cried Jetsam to the men in the corner. “Let that be a lesson to you. And remember, that only great men like Mr. Ilam have sufficient moral force, when they are in the wrong, to admit the fact. Well, Jos, I accept your apology in the cheerful and generous spirit in which you offer it; and I shall not deny that I do want money. That is part of what I came for.”
“How much do you want?” asked Ilam.
“Well,” said Jetsam. “How much have you got handy?”
Mr. Ilam intimated that there was a small sum in gold.
“A thousand in gold?” queried Jetsam.
Ilam nodded.
“Probably more,” Jetsam commented. “But a thousand will suffice me. If I need a fresh supply I can always come again, can’t I? And besides, all that is yours is mine, eh?”
Ilam maintained silence.