"A little less than half," said Algernon. "Pawnbrokers are simply cheats."
"They mayn't be worse than others," the man observed.
Algernon was exactly in the position where righteous anger is the proper weapon, if not the sole resource. He flushed, but was not sure of his opportunity for the explosion. The man read the flush.
"May I ask you, did you pawn it, sir? I'm obliged to ask the question."
"I?—I really don't—I don't choose to answer impudent questions. What do you mean by coming here?"
"I may as well be open with you, sir, to prevent misunderstandings. One of the young men was present when you pawned it. He saw the thing done."
"Suppose he did?"
"He would be a witness."
"Against me? I've dealt with Samuels for three-four years."
"Yes, sir; but you have never yet paid any account; and I believe I am right in saying that this opal is not the first thing coming from our house that has been pledged—I can't say you did it on the other occasions."