“There, Mr. Riah!” said Fledgeby, “isn’t that handsomely said? Come! Make terms with me for Mr. Twemlow.”

The old man looked again for any sign of permission to spare the poor little gentleman. No. Mr. Fledgeby meant him to be racked.

“I am very sorry, Mr. Twemlow,” said Riah. “I have my instructions. I am invested with no authority for diverging from them. The money must be paid.”

“In full and slap down, do you mean, Mr. Riah?” asked Fledgeby, to make things quite explicit.

“In full, sir, and at once,” was Riah’s answer.