There's nothing to be done in that case but
to say good morning and meet in the law court. But," he added, striking
the back of a chair with his clenched fist and looking more like Napoleon
than I had ever seen him, "I swear, by the word of Joseph H. Bundercombe,
which has never yet been broken, that I will not hand over one cent more
than four thousand pounds!"
The protests were this time a little weaker. Mr. Bundercombe sat with
folded arms, with his eyes fixed upon the ceiling and an air of being
altogether disinterested in the proceedings, while the three who comprised
the other party whispered together.
Presently Mr. Cheape rose to his feet.
"Mr. Wymans," he began, punctiliously addressing the lawyer first, "and
Mr. Bundercombe, my clients are only too anxious to end this unhappy
matter. They feel that their demands have been most moderate, but at my
advice they have consented to accept a reduction of five hundred pounds."
Mr. Bundercombe rose heavily to his feet.
"Mr. Wymans," he said, "and Paul, come along! I do not bargain. I wish you
all good morning."
He turned toward the door and we followed him. It was already opened when
we were called back. Captain Bannister and Mr. Cheape were whispering
eagerly together.
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