“Well,” said I, “Child's is but a step from this: you may go and get the cash,—just give me an acknowledgment.”
Nabb drew out the acknowledgment with great punctuality, and set off for the bankers', whilst I prepared myself for departure from this abominable prison.
He smiled as he came in. “Well,” said I, “you have touched your money; and now, I must tell you, that you are the most infernal rogue and extortioner I ever met with.”
“Oh, no, Mishter Shtubbsh,” says he, grinning still. “Dere is som greater roag dan me,—mosh greater.”
“Fellow,” said I, “don't stand grinning before a gentleman; but give me my hat and cloak, and let me leave your filthy den.”
“Shtop, Shtubbsh,” says he, not even Mistering me this time. “Here ish a letter, vich you had better read.”
I opened the letter; something fell to the ground:—it was my cheque.
The letter ran thus: “Messrs. Child and Co. present their compliments to Captain Stubbs, and regret that they have been obliged to refuse payment of the enclosed, having been served this day with an attachment by Messrs. Solomonson and Co., which compels them to retain Captain Stubbs' balance of 2,010L. 11s. 6d. until the decision of the suit of Solomonson v. Stubbs.
“FLEET STREET.”
“You see,” says Mr. Nabb, as I read this dreadful letter—“you see, Shtubbsh, dere vas two debts,—a little von and a big von. So dey arrested you for de little von, and attashed your money for de big von.”