"Do you expect to get it by waiting for it?"
"To tell you the truth, Elijah, I hadn't given that five and twenty pounds a thought. I will go over to the Ray and claim the money."
"You will not get it."
"I must have it."
"They cannot possibly pay."
"But they shall pay. I want and will have my money."
"Mehalah will pretend that George gave her the money."
"No, she will not. She acknowledged the debt to me before George's face. She promised repayment as soon as she had sufficient."
"If you do not seize on their goods, or some of them, you will never see the colour of the coin again."
"I must and will have it."
"Then follow my advice. Put in an execution. I will lend you my men. All you have to do is to give notice on this island when the sale is to be, get together sufficient to bid and buy, and you have your money. You must have an auction."
"Can I do so, Elijah?"
"Of course you can. Go over to the Ray at once and demand your money. If they decline to pay, allow them a week's grace, more if you like. I'll go with you, when the sale is to take place, and perhaps bid. We will have a Dutch auction."
"By cock! I'll do it. I will go there right on end."
At once, with her natural impetuosity, the old woman started. Before departing, however, to heighten her importance, and give authority and sternness to her appearance, she donned her red coat. In token of mourning she wrapped a black rag round her left arm. Over her cap she put a broad-brimmed battered straw hat, in front of which she affixed with a hair-pin the large black bow that had figured on her cap. Thus arrayed she entered her boat and rowed to the Ray.
The demand for the money filled Mrs. Sharland with dismay. It was a demand as unexpected as it was embarrassing. She and Mehalah were absolutely without the means of discharging the debt. They had, indeed, a few pounds by them, which had been intended to serve to carry
