"You're trying to rob me."
"Nonsense. I say the envelope was empty."
"And I say it wasn't. Come, hand over my property."
"I tell you, Fer—Stumpy, I haven't it."
"I don't care what you say. You can't play any such game off on me," rejoined John Stumpy, with increasing anger.
"I'm only speaking the truth."
"You ain't. Hand it over, or I'll&—"
John Stumpy caught the merchant by the coat collar.
"What would you do?" cried Mr. Woodward in alarm, and it was plain to see he was a coward at heart.
"I'll choke the life out of you; that's what I'll do. Hand over the statement."