"'Snaps!' said he, 'I'm glad to see you here!'
"'I am sorry I cannot return the compliment,' said my master.
"'Never mind,' said M'Flummery; 'every dog has his day.'
"'And then he is hanged,' said Snaps, drily, taking a pinch of snuff.
"M'Flummery here gave a spasmodic groan, and exclaimed, 'As little reference to my present condition as possible, Mr. Snaps. It was not about myself that I requested your visit, but touching matters in which you alone are interested.'
"'Well, sir; and here I am," said Mr. Snaps. 'To tell you the truth, I do not feel myself very comfortable in the place, so I shall feel obliged by your stating the nature of your business with me as briefly as possible.'
"'I will,' said the prisoner, with a demonic look. 'You have, or rather think you have, Mr. Snaps, a chest of plate.'
"'What!' shrieked my master. 'Is it not silver? Have you cheated me?'
"'You have often robbed me, Mr. Snaps,' was the reply; 'I but returned the compliment. That which you believe is silver plate, manufactured by Rundell and Bridge, was made at Sheffield, and cost me two hundred pounds.'
"Snaps groaned, and hid his face.