know. What has he to do with
it? I took the notes--there--I have confessed.--Have done with it,'--or
words to that effect.

"Nothing more of importance," said the Colonel, turning over the leaves
of his MS., "except to account for the crime. And here we come back
to the money-lender. You remember the valet said that a gentleman had
called on Losely two days before the robbery. This proved to be the
identical bill-discounter to whom Losely had paid away his fortune. This
person deposed that Losely had written to him some days before, stating
that he wanted to borrow two or three hundred pounds, which he could
repay by instalments out of his salary. What would be the terms? The
money-lender, having occasion to be in the neighbourhood, called to
discuss the matter in person, and to ask if Losely could not get some
other person to join in security--suggesting his brother-in-law. Losely
replied that it was a favour he would never ask of any one; that his
brother-in-law had no pecuniary means beyond his salary as a senior
clerk; and, supposing that he (Losely) lost his place, which he might
any day, if Gunston were displeased with him--how then could he be
sure that his debt would not fall on the security? Upon which the
money-lender remarked that the precarious nature of his income was the
very reason why a security was wanted. And Losely answered, 'Ay; but you
know that you incur that risk, and charge accordingly. Between me and
you the debt and the hazard are mere matter of business, but between
me and my security it would be a matter of honour.' Finally the
money-lender agreed to find the sum required, though asking very high
terms. Losely said he would consider, and let him know. There the
conversation ended. But Gunston inquired 'if Losely had ever had
dealings with the money-lender before, and for what purpose it was
likely he would leant the money now;' and the money-lender answered
'that probably Losely had some sporting or gaming speculations on the
sly, for that it was to pay a gambling debt that he had joined Captain
Haughton in a bill for L1,200.' And Gunston afterwards told a friend
of mine that this it was that decided him to appear as a witness at the
trial; and you will observe that if Gunston had kept away there would
have been no evidence sufficient to insure conviction. But Gunston
considered that the man who could gamble away his whole fortune must
be incorrigible, and that Losely, having concealed from h