"Now, Mr Sawley'," said I, "I may be blamed by worldly-minded persons for what I am going to do; but I am a man of principle, and feel deeply for the situation of your amiable wife and family. I bear no malice, though it is quite clear that you intended to make me the sufferer. Pay me fifteen thousand over the counter, and we cry quits for ever."
"Won't you take Camlachie Cemetery shares? They are sure to go up."
"No."
"Twelve hundred Cowcaddens' Water, with an issue of new stock next week?"
"Not if they disseminated the Ganges."
"A thousand Ramshorn Gas—four per cent guaranteed until the act?"
"Not if they promised twenty, and melted down the sun in their retort!"
"Blawweary Iron? Best spec. going."
"No, I tell you once for all. If you don't like my offer—and it is an uncommonly liberal one—say so, and I'll expose you this afternoon upon 'Change."
"Well, then—there's a checque. But may the"——