“I have just learned that the man did not hand over all that he had. He kept back—it now appears—certain papers.”
“Ah!” Audley’s voice was stern. “Well, he has had his chance. This time, I can promise him a warrant will follow.”
“Perhaps you will hear me out first?”
“No,” was the sharp reply. Audley’s temper was getting the better of him. “Last time, my dear fellow, you compounded with him; your motive an excellent one I don’t doubt. But if he now thinks to get more money from me—and for other papers—I can promise him that he will see the inside of Stafford gaol. Besides, my good friend, you gave us to understand that he had surrendered all he had.”
“I am afraid I did, and I fear I was wrong. Why he deceived me, and has now turned about, I know no more than you do!”
“I think I can enlighten you,” the other answered—his fears as well as his temper were aroused. “The rogue is shallow. He thinks to be paid twice. Once by you and once by me. But you can tell him that this time he will be paid in other coin.”
“I’m afraid that there is more in it than that,” Basset said. “The fact is the papers he now produces, Audley, are of another character.”
“Oh! The wind blows in that quarter, does it?” my lord replied. “You don’t mean that you’ve come here—why, d—n it, man,” with sudden passion, “either you are very simple, or you are art and part——”
“Steady, steady, my lord,” Stubbs said, interposing discreetly. Hitherto he had not spoken. “There’s no need to quarrel! I am sure that Mr. Basset’s intentions are friendly. It will be better if he just tells us what these documents are which are now put forward. We shall then be able to judge where we stand.”
“Go ahead,” Audley said, averting his face and sulkily relapsing against the mantel-shelf. “Put your questions! And, for God’s sake, let’s get to the point!”