"Old man, return to your humble abode, and give up your weary frame to the arms of Morpheus," said Augustus, when his patience was exhausted. "In other words, venerable sir, go home, and go to bed."
The miser was terribly stricken by the sudden misfortune of Dock; not from sympathy, but because it foreboded the loss of the money the prisoner owed him. It is possible that he had some fear of being compromised before the courts. If he had, it was overborne by the greater dread of losing his money. He could not willingly return; and it was only when the steward threatened him with the terrible pistol that he did so.
Augustus walked about six feet behind his victim till he came to Mr. Watson's house, and then directed him to go up to the side door.
"Ring the bell!" said the steward, in the stern tones of command.
"See here, steward, can't we arrange this thing," replied Dock, turning to his remorseless captor.
"Ring the bell! We'll arrange it in the court."
Dock rang the bell. Little did the father and mother of Bessie sleep while she was away from them, and they heard the bell the first time it was rung.
"Who's there?" called Mr. Watson from a second-story window.
"Augustus, sir," replied the steward, in the mildest of tones. "There's a gentleman here to see you, sir."
"I will be down in a moment;" and presently a light appeared in the dining-room.