I felt sure at that moment he had meant what he threatened yesterday, and my heart quailed within me at the prospect.
“Well, young prig,” said he, “I suppose you’ve brought my money?”
“No,” said I; “I’m afraid I must ask you to wait a little longer. I hope you won’t do anything for a day or two, at any rate. I will do my best to get it by then.”
He laughed in my face, and evidently enjoyed my distress.
“You sung a different tune yesterday, my boy, when you hit me. Do you remember? That wasn’t the payment I wanted!”
“I’m sorry I lost my temper,” said I.
“Well, I mean to show you I pay my debts more punctually than you do,” said he; and with that he gave me a cuff on my head which sent me reeling half across the office.
I could not—I dare not—return it, and he knew it.
“There,” said he, laughing brutally; “now we’re quits! As to that thirty shillings, I’ll let you off, as it has been paid me.”
“Paid you!” I exclaimed, in utter bewilderment. “Who by?”