The check is *still* not in the mail

Spoke to the Sacramento dealer today. Actually, I sat and listened for much of the conversation as he told his tale of woe. He claims to have lost his house. He claims a neighbor purchased the property and is renting the guest house back to him. And he claims he'll be able to pay me in a few weeks. I am not sure what to believe and what action to take. I've given him four weeks - and at that point, I will either take him to small claims court, or...?