Page:Edgar Jepson--the four philanthropists.djvu/109

Rh "But by the time we have cashed the check he will have had the money for twenty-four hours," I said.

"Well, he must pay interest," said Chelubai.

"That will make the check £3,000."

"Three thousand pounds!" cried Honest John Driver. "Why, that's over eighteen thousand per cent. per annum!"

"So it is," said Chelubai carelessly. "I guess you'll ask what the rate is before you borrow our money another time."

"And we've had all the trouble of kidnapping him and bringing him down here," growled Bottiger.

"Oh, our fee for kidnapping him is a thousand pounds, of course," I said. "We couldn't charge you less, Mr. Driver, a man of your standing in the city."

Honest John Driver groaned.

"And his board and lodging," said Angel, whose mind ran, with reason, on housekeeping.

"Yes," said Chelubai; "I like an odd sum in an open check, it looks better."

"Well, a hundred and fifteen pounds eight and sixpence is a nice odd sum," I said. "That will make the check £4,115 8s. 6d., Mr. Driver."

The King of Finance groaned piteously, as if his very vitals were racked with pain. "You've