At the word "policeman" the young man seemed to recover his wits somewhat, and he answered, "You'll bring in no bloody policeman. Fetch a policeman! and what about your blooming betting--what will become of it?" William looked round to see if there was any in the bar whom he could not trust. He knew everyone present, and believed he could trust them all. There was but one thing to do, and that was to put on a bold face and trust to luck. "Now out you go," he said, springing over the counter, "and never you set your face inside my bar again." Charles followed the guv'nor over the counter like lightning, and the drunkard was forced into the street. "He don't mean no 'arm," said one of the friends; "he'll come round to-morrow and apologise for what he's said." "I don't want his apology," said William. "No one shall call me a welsher in my bar.... Take your friend away, and never let me see him in my bar again." Suddenly William turned very pale. He was seized with a fit of coughing, and this great strong man leaned over the counter very weak indeed. Esther led him into the parlour, leaving Charles to attend to the customers. His hand trembled like a leaf, and she sat by his side holding it. Mr. Blamy came in to ask if he should lay one of the young gentlemen from the tutor's thirty shillings to ten against the favourite. Esther said that William could attend to no more customers that day. Mr. Blamy returned ten minutes after to say that there was quite a number of people in the bar; should he refuse to take their money? "Do you know them all?" said William. "I think so, guv'nor." "Be careful to bet with no one you don't know; but I'm so bad I can hardly speak." "Much better send them away," said Esther. "Then they'll go somewhere else." "It won't matter; they'll come back to where they're sure of their money." "I'm not so sure of that," William answered, feebly. "I think it will be all right, Teddy; you'll be very careful." "Yes, guv'nor, I'll keep down the price." XXXVI One afternoon Fred Parsons came into the bar of the "King's Head." He wore the cap and jersey of the Salvation Army; he was now Captain Parsons. The bars were empty. It was a time when business was slackest. The morning's betting was over; the crowd had dispersed, and would not collect again until the _Evening Standard_ had come in. William had gone for a walk. Esther and the potboy were alone in the house. The potman was at work in the backyard, Esther was sewing in the parlour. Hearing steps, she went into the bar. Fred looked at her abashed, he was a little perplexed. He said-- "Is your husband in? I should like to speak to him." "No, my husband is out. I don't expect him back for an hour or so. Can I give him any message?"