The solicitor, who would have made an excellent actor, forced a laugh that did not sound half bad.
“Ah, you are joking now, my lord.”
“I don’t think so, Mr. Hahn, although I do sometimes joke unconsciously.”
“You will, I am sure, give us a week to think this matter over.”
“Oh, very well. Anything for the sake of peace and quietness, and an amicable settlement. I should hate Mr. Schwartzbrod to think me exacting. Now, don’t go away thinking I’m reluctant to make concessions, and big ones. That’s seven shillings a share I am giving you, and on seventy thousand shares—how much is that, Mr. Mackeller, you know I’ve no head for figures?”
“Twenty-four thousand five hundred pounds.”
“Why, look at that, Mr. Hahn. Here are you, who refuse to leave me those documents you carry, who have been thinking hard of me—there, don’t deny it; I saw it by the expression of your countenance—here am I giving to Mr. Schwartz-brod and the delectable six a present of—of—of——”
“Twenty-four thousand five hundred pounds,” prompted Mackeller the elder.
“Yes, twenty-four thousand five hundred pounds in hard cash, bestowing it upon men I never saw, and up till to-day never even heard of. I don’t want to boast of my virtues, Mr. Hahn, but I doubt if you could find any man in the city who would so jauntily fling away twenty-four thousand five hundred pounds. I got the amount correct that time, Mackeller. I’m improving, you see.”
“Very good, my lord. Shall I communicate with you further at this club?”