THE RESOLUTION OF MR. LAW


The problems of England's troubled finances, the questions of the
coinage, the gossip of the king's embroilments with the
Parliament--these things, it may again be said, occupied Law's mind far
less than the question of gaining audience with his fair rescuer of the
morn at Sadler's Wells. This was the puzzle which, revolve it as he
might, not even his audacious wit was able to provide with plausible
solution. He pondered the matter in a hundred different pleasing phases
as he passed from the Bank of England through the crowded streets of
London, and so at length found himself at the shabby little lodgings in
Bradwell Street, where he and his brother had, for the time, taken up
their quarters.

"It starteth well, my boy," cried he, gaily, to his brother, when at
length he had found his way up the narrow stair into the little room,
and discovered Will patiently awaiting his return. "Already two of my
errands are well acquit."

"You have, then, sent the letters to our goldsmith here?" said Will.

"Now, to say truth, I had not thought of that. But letters of
credit--why need we trouble over such matters? These English are but
babes. Give me a night or so in the week at the Green Lion, and we'll
need no letters of credit, Will. Look at your purse, boy--since you are
the thrifty cashier of our firm!"

"I like not this sort of gold," said Will Law, setting his lips