“Then you’ll have to wait a long time for happiness, John,” said Uncle Luke, smiling, “for you are not going to pay me.”
“But, my dear Luke.”
“But, my dear John! you men who turn over your thousands are as careless as boys over small amounts, as you call them.”
“Oh, come, Mr Luke Vine, sir,” said Crampton sturdily; “there’s no carelessness in this office.”
“Bah! Clerk!” cried Uncle Luke. “Careful, very. Then how was it the money was stolen?”
“Well, sir, nobody can guard against violence,” said Crampton sourly.
“Yes, they can, you pompous old antiquity. I could. I’m not a business man. I don’t have ledgers and iron safes and a big office, but I took care of the money better than you did.”
“My dear Luke Vine, what do you mean?” cried Van Heldre, after giving Crampton a look which seemed to say, “Don’t take any notice.”
“Mean? Why, what I said. You people were so careless that I didn’t trust you. I had no confidence.”
“Well, sir, you had confidence enough to place five hundred pounds in our house,” said Crampton gruffly.