The man bowed, and took from his portfolio a number of papers.
The captain went over them with a quick scrutiny and issued his instructions.
"You will proceed in this case, Mr. Ridgett," he said, throwing one letter over.
"Yes, sir. The woman is a widow, and very poor, and suffers from an incurable complaint."
"The office has nothing to do with that," said Mr. Murpoint. "We did not kill the husband, and we did not undertake to cure her complaint. She came into our hands of her own accord, and we simply demand the fees due us. You will proceed without delay. Have you bought up the L debts yet?"
"Not all, sir," was the reply. "You instructed me to wait further commands."
"Wait no longer," said Mr. Murpoint, "but get as many of the Lackland bills together as you can. You understand?"
"Certainly," said Mr. Ridgett.
And, dismissed by a nod, he took his departure.