In a few minutes he came back and delivered the laconic message, “You’re got to wait.”
This was satisfactory as far as it went. Loman did wait, simmering inwardly all the time, and not wholly losing his desperation before once again Cripps appeared and beckoned him inside.
“Here’s the rest of the money,” said Loman, hurriedly. “You can give me back the bill now, Cripps.”
Cripps took up the money, counted it and pocketed it, and then turned on his victim with an impudent smile.
“Give me the bill,” repeated Loman, suddenly turning pale with the dreadful misgiving that after all he had not got rid of the blackguard.
“What do you want the bill for?” asked Cripps, laughing.
“Want it for? Why, Cripps—” and here Loman stopped short.
“Fire away,” said Cripps.
“I’ve paid you all I owe,” said Loman, trembling.
“What if you have?”