He went out, and soon returned, and told them it was one sovereign contribution from each man, and five shillings each for Mary Anne.
“What, for her services in rattening us?” said Little, dryly.
“And her risk,” suggested Grotait, in dulcet tones.
Little paid the five pounds, and then asked Grotait for the bands.
“Good heavens, Mr. Little, do you think I have got your bands?”
“You must excuse Mr. Little, sir,” said Bayne. “He is a stranger, and doesn't know the comedy. Perhaps you will oblige us with a note where we can find them.”
“Hum!” said Grotait, with the air of one suddenly illuminated. “What did I hear somebody say about these bands? Hum! Give me an hour or two to make inquiries.”
“Don't say an hour or two, sir, when the men have got to make up lost time. We will give you a little grace; we will take a walk down street, and perhaps it will come to your recollection.”
“Hum!” said Grotait; and as that was clearly all they were to get out of him just then they left and took a turn.
In half an hour they came back again, and sat down in the parlor.