“The amount?”
“A hundred and six thirteen four.”
“Here is the money. Give me the document.”
“Here, sir.” Levi read it. “This action was taken on a bill of exchange. I must have that too.”
“Here it is, sir. Would you like an acknowledgment, Mr. Levi,” said Crawley obsequiously.
“No! foolish man. Are not these sufficient vouchers? You are free, sir,” said Crawley to William with an air of cheerful congratulation.
“Am I? Then I advise you to get out of my way, for my fingers do itch to fling you headforemost down the stairs.”
On this hint out wriggled Mr. Crawley with a semicircle of bows to the company. Constable touched his frontlock and went straight away as if he was going through the opposite wall of the house. Meadows pointed after him with his finger and said to Levi, “You see the road—get out of my house.”
The old man never moved from his chair, to which he had returned after paying William's debts. “It is not your house,” said he coolly.
The other stared. “No matter,” replied Meadows sharply, “it is mine till my mortgage is paid off.”