“Can’t?”
“No; because I’ve got it safely put away in my pocket-book.”
Van Heldre made an impatient gesticulation.
“I tell you I have. The same notes, same numbers, just as you laid them all together.”
“Nonsense, man! Come, Luke Vine, my dear old friend, let me settle this matter with you in a business-like way; I shall not be happy till I do.”
“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?”