Cripps pretended to meditate.
“I don’t see how I can. I’m a poor man, got my rent to pay and all that. Look here, young gentleman, I must have 10 pounds down, if I’m to wait.”
“Ten pounds! I haven’t as much in the world!” exclaimed Loman. “I can give you five pounds, though,” he added. “I’ve just got a note from home to-day.”
“Five’s no use,” said Cripps, contemptuously, “wouldn’t pay not the interest. You’ll have to make it a tenner, young gentleman.”
“Don’t say that, Cripps, I’d gladly do it if I could; I’d pay you every farthing, and so I will if you only wait.”
“That’s just the way with you young swells. You get your own ways, and leave other people to get theirs best way they can. Where’s your five-pound?”
Loman promptly produced this, and Cripps as promptly pocketed it, adding, “Well, I suppose I’ll have to give in. How long do you say—two months?”
“Three,” said Loman. “Oh, thanks, Cripps, I really will pay up then.”
“You’d better, because, mind you, if you don’t, I shall walk straight to the governor. Don’t make any mistake about that.”
“Oh, yes, so you may,” said the wretched Loman, willing to promise anything in his eagerness.