me in search of you to pursue our game," Foster explained when they
had ministered to him, "and, 'fore George, I am vastly grieved to find
you in this condition."

"Pish, sir, my condition is none so grievous--a scratch, no more, and
were my heart itself pierced the knowledge that I have gained--" He
stopped short. "But there, sir," he added presently, "I am grateful
beyond words for your timely ministration, and if to my debt you will
add that of leaving me awhile to rest, I shall appreciate it."

His glance met Cynthia's and he smiled. The host coughed significantly,
and shuffled towards the door. But Master Foster made no shift to move;
but stood instead beside Galliard, though in apparent hesitation.

"I should like a word with you ere I go," he said at length. Then
turning and perceiving the landlord standing by the door in an attitude
of eloquent waiting: "Take yourself off," he cried to him. "Crush me,
may not one gentleman say a word to another without being forced to
speak into your inquisitive ears as well? You will forgive my heat,
madam, but, God a'mercy, that greasy rascal tries me sorely."

"Now, sir," he resumed, when the host was gone. "I stand thus: I have
lost to you to-day a sum of money which, though some might account
considerable, is in itself no more than a trifle.

"I am, however, greatly exercised at the loss of certain trinkets which
have to me a peculiar value, and which, to be frank, I staked in a
moment of desperation. I had hoped, sir, to retrieve my losses o'er a
friendly main this evening, for I have still to stake a coach and four
horses--as noble a set of beasts as you'll find in England, aye rat
me. Your wound, sir, renders it impossible for me to ask you to give
yourself the fatigue of obliging me. I come, then, to propose that you
return me those trinkets against my note of hand for the amount that was
staked on them. I am well known in town, sir," he added hurriedly, "and
you need have no anxiety."

Crispin stopped him with a wave of the hand.

"I have none, sir, in that connexion, and I am willing to do as you
suggest." He thrust his hand into his pocket, and drew forth the rings,
the brooch and the ear-ring he had won. "Here, sir, are your trinkets."

"Sir," cried Mr. Foster, thrown into some confusion by Galliard's
unquestioning generosity, "I am indebted to you. Rat me, sir, I am
indeed. You shall have my note of hand on the instant. How much shall we
say?"

"One momen