EN. [Cocking an eye] A thorn in the flesh, Mr Gilman.

GILMAN. Well, I prefer my own countrymen, and that's the truth of it.

As he speaks, GRAVITER comes in by the door Left Forward.

TWISDEN. [Pointing to the newspaper and the note] Mr Gilman has brought
this, of which he is holder for value. His customer, who changed it
three days ago, is coming up.

GRAVITER. The fifty-pounder. I see. [His face is long and reflective].

YOUNG CLERK. [Entering] Mr Ricardos, sir.

He goes out. RICARDOS is a personable, Italian-looking man in a
frock coat, with a dark moustachioed face and dark hair a little
grizzled. He looks anxious, and bows.

TWISDEN. Mr Ricardos? My name is Jacob Twisden. My partner. [Holding
up a finger, as RICARDOS would speak] Mr Gilman has told us about this
note. You took it to him, he says, three days ago; that is, on Monday,
and received cash for it?

RICARDOS. Yes, sare.

TWISDEN. You were not aware that it was stolen?

RICARDOS. [With his hand to his breast] Oh! no, sare.

TWISDEN. You received it from--?

RICARDOS. A minute, sare; I would weesh to explain--[With an expressive
shrug] in private.

TWISDEN. [Nodding] Mr Gilman, your conduct has been most prompt. You
may safely leave the matter in our hands, now. Kindly let us retain
this note; and ask for my cashier as you go out and give him [He writes]
this. He will reimburse you. We will take any necessary steps
ourselves.

GILMAN. [In slight surprise, with modest pride] Well, sir, I'm in your
'ands. I must be guided by you, with your experience. I'm glad you
think I acted rightly.

TWISDEN. Very rightly, Mr Gilman--very rightly. [Rising]
Good afternoon!

GILMAN. Good afternoon, sir. Good afternoon, gentlemen! [To TWISDEN]
I'm sure I'm very 'appy to have made your acquaintance, sir. It's a
well-known name.

TWISDEN. Thank you.

GILMAN retreats, glances at RICARDOS, and turns again.

GILMAN. I suppose there's nothing else I ought to do, in the interests
of the law? I'm a careful man.

TWISDEN. If there is, Mr Gilman, we will let you know. We have your
address. You may make your mind easy; but don't speak of this. It might
interfere with Justice.

GILMAN. Oh! I shouldn't dream of it. I've no wish to be mixed up in
anything conspicuous. That's not my principle at all. Good-day,
gentlemen.

He goes.

TWISDEN. [Seating himself] Now, sir, will you s