THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



' There is no tear of iny being served in tliat way,' replied 

 Raby ; ' Mr. Sharpe seems to be a respectable man ; has a 

 devilish good house ; and keeps lots of clerks. I am to give 

 £5000 for £2000, cash down.' 



' Well,' resumed his noble friend, ' all things considered, for 

 your father is a young and very hale man, I do not think that 

 is nmch out of the way, for there is no small risk in post-obit 

 bonds. You know the law takes no cognisance of the homis — 

 that is, the lender can only recover the principal and legal 

 interest for the same.' 



' Indeed ! ' exclaimed our hero, somewhat surprised at the 

 assertion. ' Still, no man, with the feelings of a gentleman, 

 would refuse to pay the bonus.' 



' Certainly not,' replied Lord Dauntley, ' if he were fairly dealt 

 with in the transaction, and no further advantage taken than 

 that to Avhich he himself had been a party.' 



At the end of a fortnight from the visit of our hero, with 

 Goodall, to the city, he received the following note from 

 Mr. Sharpe : — 



' Mr. Sharpe presents his respectful compliments to Mr. Raby, 

 and begs to inform him that everything is arranged relating to 

 the post-obit transaction ; and will thank Mr. Raby to give him 

 the meeting on Thursday next, at two o'clock precisely, at 

 No. 13 Edward Street, Portman Square, where the gentleman 

 who makes the advance resides.' 



As may be imagined, our hero was true to liis time, and 

 having been introduced to Mr. Thornton, who acceded to 

 Mr. Sharpe's request, made his appearance in Edward Street, 

 just as the clock struck two, expecting to find the lawyer, if 

 not Mr. Thornton, there before him. 



It happened, however, that he was the first ; and on inquiring 

 whether Mr. Longbottom was at home, was answered by a smart 

 livery-servant in the affirmative, and to whom he presented his 

 card. 



' Walk this way, if you please, sir,' said John ; and he con- 

 ducted him to the front drawing-room, which was not only 

 elegantly furnished, but had its walls absolutely covered witli 

 large and apparent)}' well-executed paintings. 



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