“Yes, and you lost it.”
“Yes, sir, and our house offered you a cheque for the amount, and you sent it back.”
“Of course I did. I didn’t want my money twice over, did I?”
“Is this meant for a riddle, Luke?” said Van Heldre, annoyed, and yet amused.
“Riddle? No. I only want to prick that old bubble Crampton, who is so proud of the way in which he can take care of money, and who has always been these last ten years flourishing that iron safe in my face.”
“Really, Mr Luke Vine!”
“Hold your tongue, sir! Wasn’t my five hundred pounds—new, crisp Bank of England notes—in your charge?”
“Yes, sir, in our charge.”
“Then why didn’t you watch over them, and take care of ’em? Where are they now?”
“Well, sir, it is hard to say. They have never been presented at any bank.”