He had a hooked nose, and a black, piercing eye.

He stood at the door and observed every person and thing in the room minutely before he spoke a word.
Then he said, quietly, "Mr.Michael Penfold, I believe." "At your service, sir.
"And Mr.Robert Penfold." "I am Robert Penfold.

What is your business ?" "Pray is the 'Robert Penfold' at the back of this note your writing ?" "Certainly it is; they would not cash it without that." "Oh, you got the money, then ?" "Of course I did." "You have not parted with it, have you ?" "No." "All the better." He then turned to Michael and looked at him earnestly a moment.

"The fact is, sir," said he, "there is a little irregularity about this bill which must be explained, or your son might be called on to refund the cash." "'Irregularity about--a bill ?" cried Michael Penfold, in dismay "Who is the drawer?
Let me see it.

Oh, dear me, something wrong about a bill indorsed by you, Robert ?" and the old man began to shake piteously.
"Why, father," said Robert, "what are you afraid of?
If the bill is irregular I can but return the money.