"My clients," he announced slowly, "will sign your document, Mr. Bundercombe. They protest—they protest vigorously against its wording; but they are anxious to show you in how large-spirited and gentlemanly a manner they wish this affair to be concluded. Once more they yield."
Mr. Bundercombe, without any signs of exultation, returned to his former place, put down his hat upon the chair and drew a checkbook from his breast coat pocket.
"If you will give me a seat and a pen," he said, "I will write you a check for the amount."
Captain Bannister stared at the checkbook. He glanced at Mr. Cheape and
Mr. Cheape very vigorously shook his head.
"I am sorry," he objected; "but my clients cannot think of accepting a check in settlement of this matter."
Mr. Bundercombe began to show symptoms of annoyance.
"Bless my soul!" he exclaimed. "Isn't the check of Joseph H. Bundercombe good enough for you?"
Mr. Cheape laid his hand soothingly upon Mr. Bundercombe's shoulder.
"It isn't that we doubt your check, sir," he pointed out; "but in a transaction of this sort it is best that no evidences of a lasting nature should exist. A check is not, as you know, legal tender, and a check my clients certainly could not accept."
Mr. Bundercombe folded up his checkbook and replaced it in his pocket.