THE CLAIM AND THE ARREST
You have heard how my old friend David Camlet, musical instrument maker, of Dowgate Street, presented me—or my wife—on our marriage, with a handsome harpsichord. Shortly after my father's death, this good old gentleman also went the way of all flesh: a melancholy event which I only learned by receiving a letter from Mr. Probus. Imagine, if you can, my amazement when I read the following:
'Sir,
'I have to call your immediate attention to your debt of fifty-five pounds for a harpsichord supplied to you by David Camlet of Dowgate Street, deceased. I shall be obliged if you will without delay discharge this liability to me as attorney for the executors—
'And Remain Sir,
'Your obedient humble Servant,
'Ezekiel Probus'
'Why,' said Alice. 'Mr. Camlet gave us the instrument. It was a free gift.'
'It was. If Mr. Probus will acknowledge the fact.'
'Mr. Probus? Is it that man with the harsh voice who talked lies to you?'
'The same. And much I fear, wife, that he means no good by this letter.'
'But Mr. Camlet gave us the harpsichord.'
Had the letter been received from any other person I should have considered it as of no importance; but the thought that it came from Mr. Probus filled me with uneasiness. What had that worthy attorney said? 'There are ways—we shall find a way to bring you to reason.'
'My dear,' said Alice, 'since we have had the instrument for two years without any demand for payment, we ought to be safe. Better go and see the man.'