or two pun’ ten, phr. (HOTTEN).—An expression used by assistants to each other, in shops, when a customer of suspected honesty makes his appearance. The phrase refers to ‘two eyes upon ten fingers,’ shortened as a money term to TWO PUN’ TEN. When a supposed thief is present, one shopman asks the other if that TWO PUN’ (pound) TEN matter was ever settled. The man knows at once what is meant, and keeps a careful watch upon the person being served. If it is not convenient to speak, a piece of paper is handed to the same assistant, bearing the, to him, very significant amount of £2, 10s. Cf. SHARP, JOHN ORDERLY.
