Poole--your own proposition to rob old Latham's safe."

Poole eyed the book, which the ruffian took out and tapped. Had the
ruffian been a slighter man, Poole would have been a braver one. As it
was--he eyed and groaned. "Turn against one's own crony! So unhandsome,
so unlike what I thought you were."

"It is you who would turn against me. But stick to Darrell or find me my
daughter, and help her and me to get justice out of him; and you shall
not only have back these letters, but I'll pay you handsomely--
handsomely, Dolly Poole. Zooks, sir--I am fallen, but I am always a
gentleman."

Therewith Losely gave a vehement slap to his hat, which, crushed by the
stroke, improved his general appearance into an aspect so outrageously
raffish, that but for the expression of his countenance the contrast
between the boast and the man would have been ludicrous even to Mr.
Poole. The countenance was too dark to permit laughter. In the dress,
but the ruin of fortune--in the face, the ruin of man. Poole heaved a
deep sigh, and extended four sovereigns.

Losely rose and took them carelessly. "This day week," he said--shook
himself--and went his way.




CHAPTER VI.

FRESH TOUCHES TO THE THREE VIGNETTES FOR THE BOOK OF BEAUTY.