The noisy banquet was soon ended; and some of the principals, like Godfrey and his associate Mathews, retired to the inner room, to spend the rest of the night in gambling and drinking.  Mary was, as usual, in attendance to supply their empty glasses, and to procure fresh cards, if required.

“I don’t think I shall play to-night, Mathews,” said Godfrey, drawing his companion aside.  “I lost all I was worth yesterday; and Skinner is not here.  He’s the only one worth plucking; the rest are all minus of cash just now.”

“By the way, Godfrey,” said Mathews, “what do you mean to do about that three hundred pounds you owe to Drew?  You would buy the cattle.  They were not worth half the money you paid for them; but you were drunk, and would have your own way.  You must return the horses at a great loss.”

“That’s out of my power.  They are gone—­lost in a bet last night to that lucky fool, Skinner.”

“Whew! you are a precious fellow.  I am glad that I was not born under the same star.  Why, Drew insists upon being paid, and threatens to take legal steps against you.”

“I have provided for that,” said Godfrey.  “Look here.”  They stepped to the table at the far end of the room, and young Hurdlestone drew from his pocket-book a paper which he gave to Mathews.  “Will that pass?”

“What is this?  An order for three hundred pounds upon the bank of ——­, drawn by the Jew, Haman Levi.  What eloquence did you employ to obtain such a prize?”

“It’s forged,” said Godfrey, drawing close up to him, and whispering the words in his ear.  “Did ever counterfeit come so close to reality?”

“Why, ’tis his own hand.”

“Do you think it will escape detection?”

“Old Stratch himself could hardly find it out.  You may get the blunt as soon as you like; and, if this succeeds, my boy, you will soon be able to replenish our empty purses.”  And Mathews rubbed his hands together, and chuckled with delight.

“Have you heard anything of Anthony?” said Godfrey.  “Is he still with young Wildegrave?”

“I saw him this morning in the lane, by the old yew grove, near the park.  He was walking very lovingly with a pretty little girl.  I wonder what there is in him to make the girls so fond of him.  I raised my hat as he passed, and gave him the time of day, and hang me, if he did not start, as if he had seen his father.”

“Are they reconciled?”

“Not a bit of it.  Wildegrave’s man told me that he never goes near the Hall.  Between ourselves, Mr. Godfrey, this proves your cousin to be a shrewd clever fellow.  The only way to get those stingy old chaps to leave their money to their lawful heirs is by taking no notice of them.”

“Oh that this Anthony were out of my path!” said Godfrey, lowering his voice to a whisper.  “We could soon settle the old man’s business.”

“The lad’s a good lad,” said the other.  “I don’t much relish the idea of having his blood to answer for.  If we could but get the father and son into an open quarrel, which would place him in suspicious circumstances—­do you understand me?—­and then do the old man’s business—­the blame might fall upon him instead of upon you.”