SKRUFF (opening gate R. and seeing SPRONKS’S boy with basket on his arm). The youthful Spronks again. Come in!
SPRONKS (entering, then giving the basket to SKRUFF). Them’s the taters and them’s the ignuns!
SKRUFF. Of course; do you suppose I don’t know a tater from an ignun? (Aside.) I’ll see if I can’t pump a little information out of Spronks! (Aloud.) Been long in the neighborhood, Spronks?
SPRONKS. Ever since I’ve been in it, sir!
SKRUFF. Have you indeed?—then of course you know something about Mr. Gritty, eh?
SPRONKS. I know he’s a downright trump, and has always got a shilling to spare for them as wants it!—I wants one dreadful bad just now! (going—stops). Now don’t you go and forget—them’s the taters—(going).
SKRUFF. Stop a minute!—there’s—twopence for you! (giving money to SPRONKS’S boy, who turns to go). Don’t be in such a hurry. (Confidentially.) I dare say you hear a good deal of tattle from the servants, eh? (patting boy familiarly on the back)—here’s another twopence for you!—now about the money that’s coming to the young ladies—do you happen to have heard which of the two is likely to have it?
SPRONKS (looking round mysteriously). Well! I don’t mind telling you all I know!
SKRUFF. That’s right—here’s another twopence for you! Now then (taking out his note-book).
SPRONKS. Well, sir—I’ve been making no end of inquiries about it from servants and tradespeople, and at last I’ve found out—