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Updated: May 29, 2025
"You know what it is, then," replied Cripps. "But how am I to get the 20 pounds? I daren't ask for it at home, and there's no one here will lend it me. Oh, Cripps, what shall I do?" and the boy actually caught Mr Cripps's hand in his own as he put the question.
He would have seen that, whatever had happened to the boy, Mr Cripps's purpose was to make money by it. But he did not know all, and looked at the bill with mingled astonishment and sorrow as an important piece of evidence. "He really owed you this?" he asked. "He did so every brass farthing, which I've waited ever since Michaelmas for it, mister. But I ain't a-going to wait no longer.
I shall not be disappointed if you gives me only eighteenpence, and if you thinks twelve bob is handsome, well, let it be. I can struggle on somehow." This was uncomfortable for Stephen, who, too green, fortunately, to comprehend the drift of Mr Cripps's gentle hints, again asked that he would name a price. This time Mr Cripps answered more precisely.
Give us your promise on a piece of paper if you must impose upon me." Loman, only too delighted, wrote at Mr Cripps's dictation a promise to pay the thirty pounds, together with five pounds interest, in September, and quitted the Cockchafer with as light a heart as if he had actually paid off every penny of the debt. "Of course I'm safe to get it! Why ever didn't I think of that before?
He therefore instructed Stephen to take it up to the lock-house with a note to the effect that having changed his mind in the matter since speaking to Cripps, he found he should not require the rod, and therefore returned it, with many thanks for Mr Cripps's trouble.
Loman did not know how to say "No," much as he disliked and feared his host. He returned with him to Maltby, and there spent an hour in the Cockchafer. He was introduced to several of Mr Cripps's low friends, in whose society he found it easy enough to become low himself.
Cripps's letter was as follows: "Hon. Sir, This comes hoping you are well. You may like to know Sir Patrick won. The tip was all out. Honourable Sir, My friend would like his ten pounds sharp, as he's a poor man. Please call in on Saturday afternoon. Your very humble servant, Ben Cripps."
There was something about Cripps's manner that made him feel very uncomfortable. "Oh, Cripps," he presently began, in as off-hand a manner as he could assume under the depressing circumstances "Oh, Cripps, about that rod, by the way. I hope you didn't mind my sending it back. Mr Cripps said nothing, but began polishing up a pewter pot with a napkin.
"I hope you got it back all right," continued Loman, who felt as if he must say something. "They are such fragile things, you know. I thought I'd just leave it in the bag and not touch it, but send it straight back, for fear it should be damaged." There was a queer smile about Mr Cripps's mouth as he asked, "Then you didn't have a look at it even?"
Then everybody cut me; but I hoped still all might blow over in time. But every day it became harder to bear; I should have had to confess at last, I believe. Then came Cripps's final villainy. He had never destroyed my bill after all, but now calmly claimed the whole amount." "The scoundrel!" exclaimed Oliver, indignantly.
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