Sir, one may easily distinguish an upright
man by his countenance: for example now, I think I could take your
word for ten thousand pounds." The other, with great joy, protested,
that he was right in his conjecture, and returned the compliment
a thousand-fold; by which means, the expectation of both was wound
up to a very interesting pitch; and both, at the same instant,
began to produce their papers, in the untying of which their hands
shook with transports of eagerness and impatience; while their
eyes were so intent upon their work, that they did not perceive
the occupation of each other.
At length, one of them, having got the start of the other, and
unrolled several skins of musty parchment, directed his view to the
employment of his friend; and, seeing him fumbling at his bundle,
asked if that was a blank bond and conveyance which he had brought
along with him. The other, without lifting up his eyes, or desisting
from his endeavours to loose the knot, which by this time he
had applied to his teeth, answered this question in the negative,
observing that the papers in his hand were the security which he
proposed to give for the money.
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