A wicked piece of work, sir!"
"You recognize the fact, however, that the note is beyond question
counterfeit?" Mr. Giatron persisted.
"I fear you are right," Mr. Bundercombe admitted. "There is a slight
imperfection. Yes, yes--a very bad business, Mr. Giatron! We must come
here often and try to see whether we cannot make you a second Luigi."
Giatron returned to the safe with the note, which he carefully locked up.
"Very excellent brandy!" Mr. Bundercombe pronounced warmly. "You will see
a great deal more of us, my friend. I promise you that. We shall haunt
you!"
Mr. Giatron bowed to the ground.
"You are always very welcome--and the young lady!"
We rejoined Eve, paid our bill, and made our way to the door. Louis,
looking very pathetic, was in the background. Mr. Bundercombe beckoned to
him.
"Louis, you can give your shark of an employer a week's notice to-night! I
have the note in my pocket," he whispered. "It's cost me a good one; but I
owed you that. On Monday week, Louis, I shall order my dinner from you at
Luigi's."
The man's face was wonderful! He came a little closer. He was shaking at
the knees, his hands were trembling, and his mouth was twitching. "Mr.
Bundercombe," he pleaded hoarsely, "you would not deceive me!"
Mr.
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