Samson Brass is pleased with the acquirement of the lodger and the fronted rent, which is higher than what they were asking. He invites Dick to have a drink. He praises Dick. He is a man who gives compliments freely, for they cost nothing. Sally is not pleased, saying that Dicks should have asked for more rent since the lodger seemed so eager to have the room.
On the second day, they get a chair for Dick. Sally yells at her brother, who keeps talking about how she got a good bargain for it. She is trying to work and finds his chatter distracting. Besides, he shouldn’t divert Dick’s attention, because Dick already doesn’t do any more work than he has to.
After a while, Sally remarks that the lodger hasn’t gotten up yet. She wonders if he is dead. Brass asks Dick to remember the conversation he had with the lodger and to write it down in case he is ever called to give evidence. Dick writes it down. Brass asks if Dick asked for references or how to dispose of the property if he dies. Dick says no. Brass says that Dick doesn’t have the makings of a lawyer.
Dick leaves at dinner time and comes back two hours later, smelling of gin. Brass informs him that the lodger is still not up. Dicks says they should let him sleep. However, they think the lodger is dead. They have made all sorts of noise, and he still has not come down to investigate.
Dick proposes several ways of entering the room. He suggests Sally go down the chimney, but Brass volunteers Dick to do it. They decide one last time to try and rouse the lodger before taking such drastic action. This time they succeed.
His companions abandon Dick to the lodger’s fury. Dick asks the man if it is his habit to sleep so long. They had been worried that he was dead. If he is going to sleep like that, he is making more use of their bed—and therefore he should pay double the rent. The lodger is amused and invites him inside. He double locks the door and offers Dick a drink. He makes breakfast and inquires about his landlords. He tells Dick that he likes to do as he pleases. He wants to be left alone. He tells Dick to inform his landlords that if they refuse his terms, they will lose a good tenant. Dick asks the lodger’s name, but he refuses to give it.
Swiveller gives a detailed account of the conversation to Brass and Sally.