"I humbly thank your royal highness for your consideration, but I still hope I may be excused on the score of my age and infirmities."
"You cannot expect it, Mr. Bayley," interposed Mr. Murray. "Your case is not so bad as that of the two magistrates, who will certainly be shot if the money is not forthcoming."
"We have done our best to raise it, but we find it quite impossible," said Mr. Fowden. "The amount is too large. I do not think there is five thousand pounds in the whole town."
"I am sure there is not," added Mr. Walley, with a groan.
"Since you give me this positive assurance, gentlemen," said Charles, "I consent to reduce the amount to half. But I will make no further concession. Meantime, Mr. Bayley must remain a prisoner."
"I pray your royal highness to listen to me," said the old gentleman. "By detaining me you will defeat your object. If I am kept here I can do nothing, but if you will allow me to go free I may be able to borrow the money."
Apparently convinced by this reasoning, Charles spoke to his secretary, who said:
"Mr. Bayley, if you will give the prince your word of honour that you will bring him the sum of two thousand five hundred pounds in two hours, or return and surrender yourself a prisoner, his royal highness is willing to set you at liberty."
"I agree to the conditions," replied the old gentleman.
With a profound obeisance to the prince, he then withdrew with the magistrates.