2o8 THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



"There is no fear of my being served in that way," 

 replied Raby ; " Mr. Sharpe seems to be a respectable 

 man ; has a devilish good house ; and keep lots of clerks. 

 I am to give 5000 for 2000 cash down." 



"Well," resumed his noble friend, "all things con- 

 sidered, for your father is a young and very hale man, I 

 do not think that is much out of the way, for there is no 

 small risk in post-obit bonds. You know the law takes 

 no cognisance of the bonus 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, wilh 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 which 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 his 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 conducted him to the front drawing-room, which was 

 not only elegantly furnished, but had its walls absolutely 

 covered with large and apparently well-executed paintings. 



" This man must be a man of fortune," said our hero 

 to himself, as he threw his eyes round the room ; " I think 

 I am in good hands." 



