"Give them four, then, and keep the other sovereign for yourself," George replied, breaking out into bribery.
"What about the shilling?" asked Dyer eagerly.
"I'll let you off that."
The baker became a reformed character at once. He did not profess to understand Mr. Drake's extraordinary conduct, but he was quite willing to benefit by the eccentricities of any man. His meanness had become a by-word in the parish. Now Mr. Drake was offering to purchase him a reputation for generosity, which was almost as good as an annuity, and was giving him a sovereign for himself. Dyer was not the man to shrink from duty that was profitable.
"You're the son of your uncle, sir," he said with feeling.
"I have always set his example before me," replied George.
"I'll spare Robert a week from tomorrow. Don't ye think, sir, four pounds are a bit too much?"
"I couldn't let them do it on less," said George firmly.
"And you don't want me to tell 'em part of the money comes from you?"
"I want them to think you are keeping your promise."