“No, you don’t see,” said the other, impressively. “This lady is my fiancée.”
“Well, that’s your business, sorr.”
Gladwin was beginning to enjoy the battle hugely.
“You don’t understand,” explained the thief. “I’m about to be married.”
“Oh, yez are about to be married!” with a slight wince.
“Yes, I’m going to be married to-night––secretly.”
“Is that so? Well, I can’t help yez about that, can I?”
“Oh, yes, you can, because I want it kept quiet on the lady’s account.”
“Well, I’ll help you keep it quiet 178 on the lady’s account!” with an emphasis that got away from him, but was misinterpreted.
“Good!” and out came the roll of bills again and another yellow boy was slipped into the greedy palm of Officer 666.