74
DIAMONDS TO SIT ON
‘ Good-bye,’ said Bender as he moved towards the door. Korobeynikov did not know what to think. He looked at the table to see if his guest had left any money, but there was no money there. The archivist then said in a quiet voice : ‘ And the money ? ’ ‘ What money ? ’ said Bender as he opened the door. ‘ For the furniture ! For the orders ! ’ ' My dear friend,’ said Bender, ‘ I swear by the honour of my late father I would willingly pay you for the orders, but very foolishly I forgot to get any money from the bank and I haven’t any with me at present.’ The old man began to tremble and he stretched out his hand to keep his visitor from leaving. ‘ Be quiet, you old fool! ’ said Bender threateningly. ' I’ll let you have it to-morrow, and when I say to morrow I mean to-morrow. Good night ! ’ Bender went out and slammed the door. Korobeynikov opened the door again and ran out into the street, but Bender had disappeared. The old man cursed loudly and went back into his room. He stood in the middle of the room and in a towering rage began to kick his writing-table. Never before had Bartholomew Korobeynikov been so basely deceived. He could cheat any one, but here he had been cheated with such marvellous simplicity that he had to confess he had much to learn before he died. In the past when people came to him in distress and asked for help they used to pledge their things with him, and he always charged an exorbitant commission. He had done this for years and had never been found out, and now he had been plucked hke a chicken. ‘ Why was I such a fool ? Fancy giving that walnut furniture away with my own hands ! Why, the Gobelin alone is priceless ! ’ The beU had been ringing for some time now, and
