BARRYMAINE,--In reply to your favor, _re_ interest,
requesting more time, I take occasion once more to remind you that I
am no longer your creditor, being merely his agent, as Mr. Beverley
himself could, and will, doubtless, inform you.
I am, therefore, compelled to demand payment within thirty days
from date; otherwise the usual steps must be taken in lieu of same.
Yours obediently,
JASPER GAUNT.
Now when Barnabas had read the letter a sudden fit of rage possessed
him, and, crumpling the paper in his fist, he dashed it down and set
his foot upon it.
"A lie!" he cried, "a foul, cowardly lie!"
"Then you--you didn't buy up the debt, Beverley?"
"No! no!--I couldn't,--Gaunt had sold already, and by heaven I
believe the real creditor is--"
"Ha!" cried Smivvle, pointing suddenly, "the door wasn't fastened,
Beverley,--look there!"
Barnabas started, and glancing round, saw that the door was opening
very slowly, and inch by inch; then, as they watched its stealthy
movement, all at once a shaggy head slid into view, a round head,
with a face remarkably hirsute as to eyebrow and whisker, and
surmounted by a dingy fur cap.
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