I know that they will bleed freely, rather than
be exposed to the infamy attending such an accusation." The scheme was
feasible, and though not very honourable, made such an impression upon
the needy borrower, that he assented to the proposals; and, by our
hero's credit, the money was raised. The jewels were accordingly
purchased, pawned, relieved, and repledged by the agent, who undertook
to manage the whole affair; and so judiciously was the project executed,
that he could have easily proved each lender guilty of the charge.
Having thus far successfully transacted the business, this faithful
agent visited them severally on his own account, to give them
intimation, that his employer intended to sue them on the statute of
usury; upon which, every one for himself bribed the informer to withdraw
his evidence, by which alone he could be convicted; and having received
these gratifications, he had thought proper to retreat into France
with the whole booty, including the original thousand that put them in
motion. In consequence of this decampment, the borrower had withdrawn
himself; so that the lender was obliged to have recourse to his
security.

This was a very mortifying account to our young gentleman, who, in
vain, reminded the narrator of his promise, importing, that he would not
demand the money, until he should be called to an account by his ward;
and observed, that, long before that period, the fugitive might appear
and discharge the debt. But the other was deaf to these remonstrances;
alleging, that his promise was provisional, on the supposition that the
borrower would deal candidly and fairly; that he had forfeited all title
to his friendship and trust, by the scandalous scheme in which he had
embarked; and that his treacherous flight from his security was no proof
of his honesty and intended return; but, on the contrary, a warning, by
which he, the lender, was taught to take care of himself. He therefore
insisted upon his being indemnified immediately, on pain of letting the
law take its course; and Peregrine was actually obliged to part with
the whole sum he had so lately received. But this payment was not made
without extreme reluctance, indignation, and denunciation of eternal war
against the absconder, and the rigid creditor, betwixt whom he suspected
some collusion.

CHAPTER XCI.

Cadwallader acts the part of a Comforter to his Friend; and in his turn
is consoled by Peregrine, who begins to find hi