Wymans here that I was
prepared to settle, but on my own terms--and my own terms only. I don't
want any undertaking not to molest me in the future. That isn't good
enough. I want to be able to show a document such as you have there, which
completely exculpates me from any charge that might at any time be
brought. And without it," he added, once more bringing his fist down upon
the back of the chair, "I do not part with one penny of my four thousand
pounds!"
Mr. Cheape read out a document he himself had prepared, but Mr.
Bundercombe waved it away.
"Come, Paul!" he said to me with a sigh. "Come, Mr. Wymans! I disclaim all
responsibility for the failure of this conference. I have done my best. It
cannot matter a snap of the fingers to our friends here in what form the
document is couched that they give me in exchange for my four thousand
pounds. Since they are so particular about a trifle, I have finished with
them!"
He led the way toward the door and there was an appearance of finality
about his tone and shoulders exceedingly convincing. We had reached the
threshold and were, indeed, indulging in a little skirmish as to who
should pass through the door first, when Mr. Cheape's resigned voice
checked us.
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