“Willing won’t do, Boffin. I won’t take willing. Are you desirous to come to terms? Do you ask to be allowed as a favour to come to terms?” Mr. Wegg again planted his arm, and put his head on one side.

“Yes.”

“Yes what?” said the inexorable Wegg: “I won’t take yes. I’ll have it out of you in full, Boffin.”

“Dear me!” cried that unfortunate gentleman. “I am so worrited! I ask to be allowed to come to terms, supposing your document is all correct.”

“Don’t you be afraid of that,” said Silas, poking his head at him. “You shall be satisfied by seeing it. Mr. Venus will show it you, and I’ll hold you the while. Then you want to know what the terms are. Is that about the sum and substance of it? Will you or won’t you answer, Boffin?” For he had paused a moment.