The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 181: what you’re looking at

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164 THE COURT OF LONDON to do it, and if you can pay that amount, then I am very much mistaken.’’ “Tree tousand four hundred guinish ish de sum,” said Mr. Ikey, corroborating Theodore’s statement, ‘‘ and my expenshes ish a mere trifle, Mishter Emmershon. You 1) know as well as mosht men what ish de expenshes in dese - matters,’ and Mr. Ikey gave a coarse, familiar grin. “ But come, let’s step into de public-housh closh by, and talk it over.” ‘Tt is of no use,’ interjected Theodore, sternly. ‘‘ Let him pay the money, Mr. Ikey, or go to prison. You know that I represent the creditor in this instance.” | ‘Dish de truth wot he say, Mishter Emmershon,”’ ob- served the sheriff’s officer, in an ominous undertone, as much as to imply that he could show no mercy even if he were inclined. Pale and trembling, the wretched Emmerson was utterly unable to conceal the horrible alarms that were now torturing him, for he saw that if he were plunged into a debtor’s prison, it old only be with the certainty of removal in a short time to Newgate, when the forgery should be discovered. But the very desperation of his case suddenly inspired him with a last hope, and in a quick, anxious voice, he said to the Jew, ‘‘ Mr. Ikey, you have known me for many, many years, you have had a great deal of money through the busi- ness I have put in your way, and you will now take my word that I will call upon you to-morrow — ”’ “?'Tish impossible, Mishter Emmershon,’” interrupted Ikey. ‘‘ My orders ish poshitive. Tom, keep de door.” “All right,’? growled the bailiff’s follower, planting him- self on the threshold. “ You will take fifteen or sixteen hundred guineas as a guarantee of my good intentions,’ said Emmerson, neh pany writhing with the anguish of his phoneme. But the sheriff’s officer shook his head, and Emmerson felt a cold perspiration burst forth all over him. The con- dition of the wretched man was indeed most deplorable, and visibly did his looks grow so haggard, even as he stood there in that public office, that in the space of three or four minutes twenty years seemed to have been added to his life. As a last resource he turned toward Varian, and in a manner so humbled and with accents so full of pitiable )) Gomichoo cS (E(0) cD) a |