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 moment, Mr. Foster," said Crispin, an idea suddenly
occurring to him. "You mentioned horses. Are they fresh?"