Payment into court by defendant

(1) The defendant may at any time not less than two days before the hearing, (a) file a consent in writing to judgment whereupon the clerk shall enter judgment for the amount of the claim and costs; or (b) pay into court such sum of money as he may think a full satisfaction for the claim of the plaintiff, together with the costs incurred by the plaintiff up to the time of such payment. (2) Notice of the filing of such consent or of such payment shall without delay be communicated by the clerk to the plaintiff by causing it to be delivered at his last or most usual place of abode or at his place of business. (3) The money so paid into court shall without delay be paid to the plaintiff. (4) If the plaintiff elects to proceed and recovers no further sum in the action than has been so paid into court, he may be ordered by the court to pay to the defendant the costs incurred by the defendant in the action after such payment. 12