After a good deal of talk and protestation Mr. Saunders acknowledged being the possessor of twenty-six dollars, divided between the cash drawer and his pocket. This he reluctantly handed to the Captain.
Then the Captain demanded pen, ink, and paper; and when they were brought he laboriously wrote out a screed to the effect that Webster Saunders had received of Elsie Preston forty-four dollars, which sum he promised to pay on demand.
“There,” he said, pushing the writing materials across the table. “Sign that.”
At first Mr. Saunders positively refused to sign. Then he intimated that he had rather wait and think it over a little while. Finally he affixed his signature and spitefully threw the pen across the room.
Captain Eri folded up the paper and put it in his pocket. Then he rose and put on his pea jacket.
“Now, there's jest one thing more,” he said. “Trot out that coat and hat.”
“What do you mean?”
“Trot out that coat and hat of John's. I want 'em.”
“I shan't do it.”
“All right, then. It's all off. I'll step over and see the Jedge. You'll hear from him and me later.”