The transaction was completed in a few minutes; the gold counted by Baldwin and the clerk, and locked up in the safe. Then Inman drew himself erect and threw back his shoulders, but seeing himself observed by his master hid the satisfaction he felt, and said:
“I wish it had been in a cheque; but I’ve had to gather it together from here and there, you see. I want Mr. Briggs to take it over to Keepton to-day and bank it, or else let me go earlier and break my journey.”
He turned his eyes on his master as he spoke and contrived to allow a doubt of Baldwin’s ability to journey anywhere appear in them. Instantly there was a flash.
“I daresay I can manage to mind my own business,” Mr. Briggs snapped. “Some folks is a damned sight too ready to put their fillings in. If I take it I shall know where it is!”
Mr. Jones laughed and Inman allowed himself to smile.
“If you don’t get it in to-day, Mr. Briggs—though I think you’d do well to take Mr. Inman’s advice—you’d better sleep with the safe key under your pillow,” remarked the clerk facetiously.
“I’m much obliged to both of you,” he replied with rising temper as he saw the humour on both faces and interpreted it to his disadvantage. “I can mebbe attend to my own business now ’at I reckon you’ll ha’ finished yours.”
Mr. Jones recognised his mistake and at once resumed his professional air.
“I am sure you can,” he said, as he closed his case and looked round for his hat. “Lawyers think it necessary to caution their clients, but of course, in your case it’s a mere formality. I wish you good-morning, Mr. Briggs.”
“Take him down to t’ pub and give him his dinner before he goes,” said Baldwin, as he let his hand fall into the one the clerk proffered him.