Having cleared up this doubt, we will now pursue our hero, who forthwith repaired to the count, and, having first settled preliminary articles concerning distributions, he acquainted him with the scheme which he had formed against Heartfree; and after consulting proper methods to put it in execution, they began to concert measures for the enlargement of the count; on which the first, and indeed only point to be considered, was to raise money, not to pay his debts, for that would have required an immense sum, and was contrary to his inclination or intention, but to procure him bail; for as to his escape, Mr. Snap had taken such precautions that it appeared absolutely impossible.

CHAPTER TWO

Great examples of greatness in wild, shewn as well by his
behaviour to Bagshot as in A scheme laid, first, to impose on
Heartfree by means of the count, and then to cheat the count of
the booty.

Wild undertook therefore to extract some money from Bagshot, who, notwithstanding the depredations made on him, had carried off a pretty considerable booty from their engagement at dice the preceding day.  He found Mr. Bagshot in expectation of his bail, and, with a countenance full of concern, which he could at any time, with wonderful art, put on, told him that all was discovered; that the count knew him, and intended to prosecute him for the robbery, “had not I exerted (said he) my utmost interest, and with great difficulty prevailed on him in case you refund the money—­” “Refund the money!” cryed Bagshot, “that is in your power:  for you know what an inconsiderable 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, and with how much certainty the gentleman can give evidence against you.”  “Marry come up!” quoth Bagshot; “I believe my life alone will not be in danger.  I know those who are as guilty as myself.  Do you tell me of conscience?” “Yes, sirrah!” answered our hero, taking him by the collar; “and since you dare threaten me I will shew you the difference between committing a robbery and conniving at it, which is all I can charge myself with.  I own indeed I suspected, when you shewed me a sum of money, that you had not come honestly by it.”  “How!” says Bagshot, frightened out of one half of his wits, and amazed out of the other, “can you deny?” “Yes, you rascal,” answered Wild, “I do deny everything; and do you find a witness to prove it:  and, to shew you how little apprehension I have of your power to hurt me, I will have you apprehended this moment.”—­At which words he offered to break from him; but Bagshot laid hold of his skirts,