“ I tell you so,” returned Silas. “Now, here’s my hat, Boffin, and here’s my walking-stick. Trifle with me, and instead of making a bargain with you, I’ll put on my hat and take up my walking-stick, and go out, and make a bargain with the rightful owner. Now, what do you say?”

“I say,” returned Mr. Boffin, leaning forward in alarmed appeal, with his hands on his knees, “that I am sure I don’t want to trifle, Wegg. I have said so to Venus.”

“You certainly have, sir,” said Venus.

“You’re too milk and watery with our friend, you are indeed,” remonstrated Silas, with a disapproving shake of his wooden head. “Then at once you confess yourself desirous to come to terms, do you Boffin? Before you answer, keep this hat well in your mind and also this walking-stick.”

“I am willing, Wegg, to come to terms.”