"Yes, we have a man of that name," replied Mr Chatterton. "What the deuce can this fellow want?"
"I am extremely anxious to meet him," continued the stranger, "as I have some business with him of the highest importance."
"Oh, a dun, by Jupiter!" thought the young soldier. He looked at the stranger, a very well dressed gentlemanly man—too manlike for a tailor —too polished for a horse-dealer; his Wellingtons were brightly polished—he was perhaps his boot-maker. "Oh, you wish to see Mr Chatterton?" he said aloud.
"Very much," replied the stranger. "I have some business with him that admits of no delay."
"An arrest at least," thought the youth. "I wish to heaven M'Toddy had not left me! Is it fair to ask," he continued, aloud, "of what nature your business is with Mr Chatterton? I am his most intimate acquaintance; whatever you say to me is sure to reach him."
"I must speak to him myself, sir," replied the stranger, coldly. "Where am I likely to find him?"
"Oh, most likely at the bankers," said the young man, by way of putting his questioner on the wrong scent. "He has just stept into an immense fortune from a maiden aunt, and is making arrangements to pay off all his debts."
"There are some he will find it difficult to settle," replied the stranger with a sneer, "in spite of his new-found wealth."
"Indeed, sir! What an exorbitant Jew this fellow is; and yet I never signed any bond!"
"Yes, sir," continued the other, with a bitterer sneer than before, "and at the same time such as he can't deny. I have vouchers for every charge."