Then he took
up the satchel again, opened it, and for a few moments kept diving
his long black fingers into the coins, whilst his face was
transformed to an expression of grim joy. Presently, having
satisfied himself with the feel of the money, he transferred it all
to a pocket inside his ragged coat.
"Now, Mr. Waymark," he recommenced, seating himself on the chair
Waymark had previously occupied, "I ain't quite done with
ill-conveniencin' you. I'm sorry to say I'll 'ave jist to put a bit
of a gag on, to prevent you from 'ollerin' out too soon; but before
I do that, I've jist got a word or two to say. Let's spend our last
time together in a friendly way."
In spite of his alarm, Waymark observed with astonishment the change
which had come over the man's mode of speech. In all their previous
intercourse, Slimy had shown himself barely articulate; for the most
part it was difficult to collect meaning from his grunts and snarls.
His voice was still dreadfully husky, and indeed seemed unused to
the task of uttering so many words, but for all that he spoke
without hesitation, and with a reserve of force which made his
utterances all the more impressive. Having bespoken his hearer's
attention in this deliberate way, he became silent, and for a while
sat brooding, his fingers still busy among the coins in his pocket.
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