Whi. But Tom never had any tact—and if he should be guilty of the indiscretion of turning up——
O’Fi. Well, sorr, if he should, I shall be prepared to admit that I’ve acted under a misconception. But, sorr, before I yield possession of the estate which has so miraculously come into my hands, I shall satisfy meself beyond all doubt that I am not dealin’ with an imposthor. Any one who assumes to be the late Tom Cobb will have to establish his identity beyond all manner of doubt. And as I’ve paid Mr. Ben Isaacs and his other creditors conditionally on his being dead, he may find that difficult, sorr,—he may find that difficult.
[Exit O’Fipp.
Mat. Well, Tom Cobb may be dead, but when he finds out the use that’s been made of his will, he’ll not rest in his grave, I’m thinking, that’s all!
Whi. But if he should return—if Tom Cobb’s shade should take it into his ghostly head to revisit the scenes of his earthly happiness—promise me that you will treat him with the cold respect due to a disembodied spirit.
Mat. But when d’ye think he’ll come?
Whi. Well, between ourselves, I think we may look for his apparition at an early date. Unless the necessaries of life are considerably cheaper in the other world than in this, Tom Cobb’s five and twenty pounds must be as shadowy as himself by this time.
Mat. But if he comes to life, who’s to kill him again?
Whi. Oh, your papa will have to kill him; it’s his turn. Besides, it’s a colonel’s business to kill people.
Mat. And a doctor’s, too.