Can you say that you have done more than execute my scheme?  The ploughman, the shepherd, the weaver, the builder, and the soldier work not for themselves, but others; they are contented with a poor pittance—­the labourer’s hire—­and permit us, the great, to enjoy the fruits of their labours.  Why, then, should the state of a prig differ from all others?  Or why should you, who are the labourer only, the executor of my scheme, expect a share in the profit?  Be advised, therefore; deliver the whole booty to me, and trust to my bounty for your reward.”

Mr. Bagshot not being minded to yield to these arguments, Wild adopted a fiercer tone, and the other was glad to let him borrow a part of his share.  So that Wild got three-fourths of the whole before taking leave of his companion.

Wild then returned to visit his friend the count, now in captivity at Mr. Snap’s; for our hero was none of those half-bred fellows who are ashamed to see their friends when they have plundered and betrayed them.

The count, little suspecting that Wild had been the sole contriver of the misfortune which had befallen him, eagerly embraced him, and Wild returned his embrace with equal warmth.

While they were discoursing, Mr. Snap introduced Mr. Bagshot; for Mr. Bagshot had lost what money he had from Mr. Wild at a gaming-table, and was directly afterwards arrested for debt.  Mr. Wild no sooner saw his friend than he immediately presented him to the count, who received him with great civility.  But no sooner was Mr. Bagshot out of the room than the count said to Wild, “I am very well convinced that Bagshot is the person who robbed me, and I will apply to a justice of the peace.”

Wild replied with indignation that Mr. Bagshot was a man of honour, but, as this had no weight with the count, he went on, more vehemently, “I am ashamed of my own discernment when I mistook you for a great man.  Prosecute him, and you may promise yourself to be blown up at every gaming-house in the town.  But leave the affair to me, and if I find he hath played you this trick, I will engage my own honour you shall in the end be no loser.”  The count answered, “If I was sure to be no loser, Mr. Wild, I apprehend you have a better opinion of my understanding than to imagine I would prosecute a gentleman for the sake of the public.”

Wild having determined to make use of Bagshot as long as he could, and then send him to be hanged, went to Bagshot next day and told him the count knew all, and intended to prosecute him, and the only thing to be done was to refund the money.

“Refund the money!” cried Bagshot.  “Why, you know what small part of it fell to my share!”

“How?” replied Wild.  “Is this your gratitude to me for saving your life?  For your own conscience must convince you of your guilt.”

“Marry come up!” quoth Bagshot.  “I believe my life alone will not be in danger.  Can you deny your share?”