COLLECTING. 269 



business," said Turpin. " I must trouble you for your 

 loose cash, my lord " (a purse was handed to him). 

 " And now, if you please, I'll take your watch ; it is a 

 handsome one, I know " (his lordship drew it slowly 

 from his fob). " That diamond on your finger ; and 

 I'll also thank you for the miniature you carry about 

 you of a lovely lady, of whom, my lord, we'll say 

 nothing- — but that I know you have it." 



All but the last-named article was delivered with 

 the air of a martyr or a helpless and resigned man ; 

 but at the last demand his lordship found his tongue. 



" Gadzooks, Mr. Highwayman," said he, " I'm 

 sorry I did not know you better. I take it you're a 

 gentleman ; and as it seems " — (his lordship here un- 

 buttoned his coat, and drevv^ forth a picture) — " you 

 know of this — though stifle me if I can guess where 

 you got your information — I'll make an appeal to you. 

 The picture Til not part with, demme" — (his lordship 

 grew warm) — " and if you're the blood I take you to 

 be, you'll not insist on it. Name the terms, and I'll 

 redeem my pledged word like a man of honour and a 

 gentleman — demme ! " 



" Why, really," replied Dick, " I have wasted too 

 much time already. I forgive you the attempt you 

 made to provide for me in another world ; and as I've 

 reason to believe your lordship really has an affection 

 for this picture, and I've no wish to disfigure it by 

 breaking its frame, say thirty guineas. You assent ^ 

 Then an order for thirty guineas on your agent in 

 Coombe will do, and I'll ensure its presentation before 

 your lordship can trouble him with any advice on the 

 subject," 



Lord C. drew forth his pocket-book, and, extract- 

 ing a leaf, wrote the required order. Turpin looked 

 narrowly at it, folded it, and, bowing low with an air 



