“I have here sent you back this necklace of gold you have sent me, not from any dislike I have to it, but my wife is covetous, and would have a bigger. This comes not to above seven pounds, and she would have one of ten pounds; therefore, pray get it changed for one of that price, and send it by the bearer to your loving brother, JACOB THORNTON.” “Nay, then we have good luck,” observed the cheat. “But I hope,” said he to the countryman, “you will not expect a full share, for, you know, I found it; and, besides, if one should divide it, I know not how to break it in pieces without injuring it; therefore, I had rather have my share in money.” “Well,” said the countryman, “I will give you your share in money, provided we divide equally.” “That you shall,” said Rumbold, “and therefore I must have three pounds ten shillings, the price in all being, as you see, seven pounds.” “Ay,” said the countryman, thinking to be cunning with our adventurer, “it may be worth seven pounds in money, fashion and all: we must, however, not value that, but only the gold; therefore I think three pounds in money are better than half the chain, and so much I’ll give, if you’ll let me have it.” “Well, I’m contented,” said Rumbold: “but then you shall give me a pint of wine, over and above.” To this the other agreed, and to a tavern they went, where the bargain was ratified. There Rumbold and the countryman quickly disposed of two bottles of wine. In the mean time one of Rumbold’s companions entered the inn, inquiring for a certain person who was not there. Rumbold informed the stranger (as he pretended to be) that he would be there presently, as he had seen him in the street, and requested him to come in and wait for him. Upon this the stranger sat down to wait the arrival of his friend. In a little time Rumbold proposed to remove into a larger apartment, where they commenced playing at cards, to amuse themselves until the gentleman expected should arrive. Rumbold and his associate began their amusement, the countryman being a stranger to the game. After he had continued a spectator of the good fortune of our adventurer, who in general vanquished the stranger, the countryman was at length prevailed upon to run halves with the fortunate gamester. For a while the same good fortune smiled upon them, and the stranger, in a rage at his great losses, refused to proceed. But after a few bottles more were emptied, the long-expected gentleman never appearing, they renewed their amusement; and fortune deserting Rumbold and the countryman who seconded him, in a short time the latter found himself without a shilling.