“I don’t think, sir,” he said, “that less than two-thirds of the bill will make Mr. Samuels easy.  You see, this opal was in a necklace.  It wasn’t like a ring you might have taken off your finger.  It’s a lady’s ornament; and soon after you obtain it from us; you make use of it by turning it into cash.  It’s a case for a criminal prosecution, which, for the sake of your relations, Mr. Samuels wouldn’t willingly bring on.  The criminal box is no place for you, sir; but Mr. Samuels must have his own.  His mind is not easy.  I shouldn’t like, sir, to call a policeman.”

“Hey!” shouted Algernon; “you’d have to get a warrant.”

“It’s out, sir.”

Though inclined toward small villanies, he had not studied law, and judging from his own affrighted sensations, and the man’s impassive face, Algernon supposed that warrants were as lightly granted as writs of summons.

He tightened his muscles.  In his time he had talked glibly of Perdition; but this was hot experience.  He and the man measured the force of their eyes.  Algernon let his chest fall.

“Do you mean?” he murmured.

“Why, sir, it’s no use doing things by halves.  When a tradesman says he must have his money, he takes his precautions.”

“Are you in Mr. Samuels’ shop?”

“Not exactly, sir.”

“You’re a detective?”

“I have been in the service, sir.”

“Ah! now I understand.”  Algernon raised his head with a strain at haughtiness.  “If Mr. Samuels had accompanied you, I would have discharged the debt:  It’s only fair that I should insist upon having a receipt from him personally, and for the whole amount.”

With this, he drew forth his purse and displayed the notable Five hundred.

His glow of victory was short.  The impassive man likewise had something to exhibit.

“I assure you, sir,” he said, “Mr. Samuels does know how to deal with gentlemen.  If you will do me the honour, sir, to run up with me to Mr. Samuels’ shop?  Or, very well, sir; to save you that annoyance here is his receipt to the bill.”

Algernon mechanically crumpled up his note.

“Samuels?” ejaculated the unhappy fellow.  “Why, my mother dealt with Samuels.  My aunt dealt with Samuels.  All my family have dealt with him for years; and he talks of proceeding against me, because—­upon my soul, it’s too absurd!  Sending a policeman, too!  I’ll tell you what—­the exposure would damage Mister Samuels most materially.  Of course, my father would have to settle the matter; but Mister—­Mister Samuels would not recover so easily.  He’d be glad to refund the five hundred—­what is it?—­and twenty-five—­why not, ‘and sixpence three farthings?’ I tell you, I shall let my father pay.  Mr. Samuels had better serve me with a common writ.  I tell you, I’m not going to denude myself of money altogether.  I haven’t examined the bill.  Leave it here.  You can tear off the receipt.  Leave it here.”