'In conclusion, Mr Pancks,' said Arthur, 'I have but to say this. I have
reasons beyond a personal regard for speaking as little as I can of the
Dorrit family, particularly at my mother's house' (Mr Pancks nodded),
'and for knowing as much as I can. So devoted a man of business as you
are--eh?'
For Mr Pancks had suddenly made that blowing effort with unusual force.
'It's nothing,' said Pancks.
'So devoted a man of business as yourself has a perfect understanding of
a fair bargain. I wish to make a fair bargain with you, that you shall
enlighten me concerning the Dorrit family when you have it in your
power, as I have enlightened you. It may not give you a very flattering
idea of my business habits, that I failed to make my terms beforehand,'
continued Clennam; 'but I prefer to make them a point of honour. I have
seen so much business done on sharp principles that, to tell you the
truth, Mr Pancks, I am tired of them.'
Mr Pancks laughed. 'It's a bargain, sir,' said he. 'You shall find me
stick to it.' After that, he stood a little while looking at Clennam, and biting his
ten nails all round; evidently while he fixed in his mind what he had
been told, and went over it carefully, before the means of supplying a
gap in his memory should be no longer at hand. 'It's all right,' he said
at last, 'and now I'll wish you good day, as it's collecting day in the
Yard. By-the-bye, though. A lame foreigner with a stick.'
'Ay, ay. You do take a reference sometimes, I see?' said Clennam.
'When he can pay, sir,' replied Pancks. 'Take all you can get, and
keep back all you can't be forced to give up. That's business. The lame
foreigner with the stick wants a top room down the Yard. Is he good for
it?' 'I am,' said Clennam, 'and I will answer for him.'
'That's enough. What I must have of Bleeding Heart Yard,' said Pancks,
making a note of the case in his book, 'is my bond. I want my bond, you
see. Pay up, or produce your property! That's the watchword down the
Yard. The lame foreigner with the stick represented that you sent him;
but he could represent (as far as that goes) that the Great Mogul sent
him. He has been in the hospital, I believe?'
'Yes. Through having met with an accident. He is only just now
discharged.' 'It's pauperising a man, sir, I have been shown, to let him into a
hospital?' said Pancks. And again blew off that remarkable sound.