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I blame you! returned the person addressed; not for the world, Mr Jowl. I wish I could afford to be as liberal as you; and, as you say, he might pay it back if he won and if he lost Youre not to take that into consideration at all, said Jowl. But suppose he did (and nothings less likely, from all I know of chances), why, its better to lose other peoples money than ones own, I hope? Ah! cried Isaac List rapturously, the pleasures of winning! The delight of picking up the money the bright, shining yellow-boys and sweeping em into ones pocket! The deliciousness of having a triumph at last, and thinking that one didnt stop short and turn back, but went half-way to meet it! The but youre not going, old gentleman? Ill do it, said the old man, who had risen and taken two or three hurried steps away, and now returned as hurriedly. Ill have it, every penny. Why, thats brave, cried Isaac, jumping up and slapping him on the shoulder; and I respect you for having so much young blood left. Ha, ha, ha! Joe Jowls half sorry he advised you now. Weve got the laugh against him. Ha, ha, ha! He gives me my revenge, mind, said the old man, pointing to him eagerly with his shrivelled hand: mind he stakes coin against coin, down to the last one in the box, be there many or few. Remember that! Im witness, returned Isaac. Ill see fair between you. I have passed my word, said Jowl with feigned reluctance, and Ill keep it. When does this match come off? I wish it was over. Tonight? I must have the money first, said the old man; and that Ill have tomorrow Why not tonight? urged Jowl. Its late now, and I should be flushed and flurried, said the old man. It must be softly done. No, tomorrow night. Then tomorrow be it, said Jowl. A drop of comfort here. Luck to the best man! Fill! The gypsy produced three tin cups, and filled them to the brim with brandy. The old man turned aside and muttered to himself before he drank. Her own name struck upon the listeners ear, coupled with some wish so fervent, that he seemed to breathe it in an agony of supplication. God be merciful to us! cried the child within herself, and help us in this trying hour! What shall I do to save him! The remainder of their conversation was carried on in a lower tone of voice, and was sufficiently concise; relating merely to the execution of the project, and the best precautions for diverting suspicion. The old man then shook hands with his tempters, and withdrew. They watched his bowed and stooping figure as it retreated slowly, and when he turned his head to look back, which he often did, waved their hands, or shouted some brief encouragement. It was not until they had seen him gradually diminish into a mere speck upon the distant road, that they turned to each other, and ventured to laugh aloud. So, said Jowl, warming his hands at the fire, its done at last. He wanted more persuading than I expected. Its three weeks ago, since we first put this in his head. Whatll he bring, do you think? Whatever he brings, its halved between us, returned Isaac List. |
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