The strangers looked at each other in silence before they spoke again.
"In that case we presume your Excellency will be prepared to honor it?"
"Certainly," said the Governor.
"Then your Excellency will be aware that the bill is already overdue and that two applications have been made for payment?"
The Governor flinched at that question, but recovering himself in a moment, he said, shortly:
"The bill shall be met immediately."
"How soon, your Excellency--a week, a fortnight?"
"Three days," said the Governor. "Good-morning, gentlemen," and without more ceremony he took up his pen and began to write a letter.
The Sheriff, who was perspiring visibly by this time, had edged round to the door, and after a short silence, in which nothing was heard but the scratching of the Governor's quill, the strangers bowed to his stooping forehead and backed themselves out of the room.
The Governor's letter was to the Factor, asking him to come immediately. He came, looking sullen and suspicious, with the air of one who knew something already of the business for which he had been summoned.