“Was Ruddle there?”
“No, but I hear that Brandysheim threatened to come down on him if he wasn’t paid.”
“And what then?”
“What then?” growled Grimstone, with a show of his teeth; “why, Lister’s smashed up—bankrupt, and you and I may sit and stare at each other for a pair of fools.”
“But it won’t hurt Ruddle.”
“No, only bother him. If Lister’s bankrupt, he’s partner no longer, and Ruddle will have to find out what share he has in the business.”
“Yes, that’s what I thought,” said Mr Jabez dolefully.
“And we shan’t get a penny!”
“Not even interest,” said Mr Jabez.
“Not even interest,” echoed Grimstone.