e. "I lost all I was worth yesterday; and Skinner is
not here. He's the only one worth plucking; the rest are all minus of
cash just now."

"By the way, Godfrey," said Mathews, "what do you mean to do about that
three hundred pounds you owe to Drew? You would buy the cattle. They
were not worth half the money you paid for them; but you were drunk, and
would have your own way. You must return the horses at a great loss."

"That's out of my power. They are gone--lost in a bet last night to that
lucky fool, Skinner."

"Whew! you are a precious fellow. I am glad that I was not born under
the same star. Why, Drew insists upon being paid, and threatens to take
legal steps against you."

"I have provided for that," said Godfrey. "Look here." They stepped to
the table at the far end of the room, and young Hurdlestone drew from
his pocket-book a paper which he gave to Mathews. "Will that pass?"

"What is this? An order for three hundred pounds upon the bank of ----,
drawn by the Jew, Haman Levi. What eloquence did you employ to obtain
such a prize?"

"It's forged," said Godfrey, drawing close up to him, and whispering the
words in his ear. "Did ever counterfeit come so close to reality?"

"Why, 'tis his own hand."

"Do you think it will escape detection?"

"Old Stratch himself could hardly find it out. You may get the blunt as
soon as you like; and, if this succeeds, my boy, you will soon be able
to replenish our empty purses." And Mathews rubbed his hands together,
and chuckled with delight.

"Have you heard anything of Anthony?" said Godfrey. "Is he still with
young Wildegrave?"

"I saw him this morning in the lane, by the old yew grove, near the
park. He was walking very lovingly with a pretty little girl. I wonder
what there is in him to make the girls so fond of him. I raised my hat
as he passed, and gave him the time of day, and hang me, if he did not
start, as if he had seen his father."

"Are they reconciled?"

"Not a bit of it. Wildegrave's man told me that he never goes near the
Hall. Between ourselves, Mr. Godfrey, this proves your cousin to be a
shrewd clever fellow. The only way to get those stingy old chaps to
leave their money to their lawful heirs is by taking no notice of them."

"Oh that this Anthony were out of my path!" said Godfrey, lowering his
voice to a whisper. "We could soon settle the old man's business."

"The lad's a good lad," said the other. "I don't much relish the idea of
havin