"Exactly. Now that bill's no use to any one, and we want you to give it to us."
"Ha, ha! clever boys, clever boys! Vot large-hearted fellows too, to want to buy a bill that ain't of any use to any vun! O, vot generous boys!"
"It's no use, Griffiths," said Effingham angrily; "he either don't know or won't say anything about it."
"Steady," said Griffiths. "Come, Mr. Lyons, say you've got the stiff, and name your price."
"Accepted by Walter Burgess, eh?" said the old gentleman; "yes, I reckleckt that bill; O yes, I reckleckt him."
"Well now, bring your recklecktion into something practical, and I'll give you this for that bill," said Mr. Effingham, producing a five-pound note.
The old Jew's eyes glistened at the sight of the money; and then his face fell, and he looked horribly disappointed.
"You should have it for that," said he; "you should have it for that, and velcome; only there's vun little reason vy I can't make it over to you."
"What's that?" cried Effingham.
"Vell, it's a strong reason, as you'll allow ven I tell it to you. I can't let you have the bill, because--because I haven't got it myself."