“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.
“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.”