This was certainly a fine assertion for me to hear. Yet it was no more than I would expect from John Stumpy. He was a villain through and through.
"You meant to burn him up, did you?" asked Mr. Woodward.
"And if I had, Mr. Aaron Woodward would never have shed a tear," laughed John Stumpy.
"Let me see the statement."
John Stumpy hesitated. "Hand over the money first, and maybe I will."
"The hundred dollars?"
"No, a thousand."
"Do you suppose I carry so much money with me?"
"Give me what you have in that roll, and I'll take your word for the rest."
The merchant gave something that sounded very much like a groan.