“It gets into the hands of me and Mrs. Boffin only this very day and hour, and that’s what I am working round to, having waited for this day and hour a’ purpose. Mr. Lightwood, here has been a wicked cruel murder. By that murder me and Mrs. Boffin mysteriously profit. For the apprehension and conviction of the murderer, we offer a reward of one tithe of the property—a reward of Ten Thousand Pound.”
“ Mr. Boffin, it’s too much.”
“ Mr. Lightwood, me and Mrs. Boffin have fixed the sum together, and we stand to it.”
“But let me represent to you,” returned Lightwood, “speaking now with professional profundity, and not with individual imbecility, that the offer of such an immense reward is a temptation to forced suspicion, forced construction of circumstances, strained accusation, a whole toolbox of edged tools.”
“Well,” said Mr. Boffin, a little staggered, “that’s the sum we put o’ one