“Esterhazy called him the best horse he ever bred.” “He shall have him this morning for a hundred and twenty.” “Well, well,” burst in Heathcote, “we are not here to dispute about that. I handed you, as well as I remember, eighty, and two hundred and thirty Naps.” “More than that, I think,” said O'Shea, thoughtfully, and as if laboring to recollect clearly. “I'm certain I'm correct,” said Heathcote, haughtily. “I made no other payments than these two,--eighty and two hundred and thirty.” “What a memory I have, to be sure!” said O'Shea, laughingly. “I remember now, it was a rouleau of fifty that I paid away to Layton was running in my head.” Heathcote's lip curled superciliously, but it was only for a second, and his features were calm as before. “Two thirty and eighty make three hundred and ten, and three fifty--” “Two fifty for the trap!” broke in O'Shea. “Ah! to be sure, two fifty, make altogether five hundred and sixty Naps, leaving, let me see--ninety-four--sixty-one--one hundred and twelve--” “A severe night that was. You never won a game!” chimed in O'Shea. “--One hundred and twelve and seventy, making three hundred and thirty- seven in all. Am I right?” “Correct as Cocker, only you have forgotten your walk against time, from the fish-pond to the ranger's lodge. What was it,--ten Naps, or twenty?” “Neither. It was five, and I paid it!” was the curt answer. “Ain't I the stupidest dog that ever sat for a borough?” said O'Shea, bursting out into one of his boisterous laughs. “Do you know, I'd have been quite willing to have bet you a cool hundred about that?” “And you 'd have lost,” said Heathcote, dryly. “Not a doubt of it, and deserved it too,” said he, merrily. “I have brought you here one hundred and fifty,” said Heathcote, laying down three rouleaux on the table, “and, for the remainder, my note at three months. I hope that may not prove inconvenient?” “Inconvenient, my boy! never say the word. Not to mention that fortune may take a turn one of these days, and all this California find its way back to its own diggings.” “I don't mean to play any more.” “Not play any more! Do you mean to say that, because you have been once repulsed, you 'll never charge again? Is that your soldier's pluck?” “There is no question here of my soldier's pluck. I only said I 'd not play billiards.” “May I ask you one thing? How can you possibly expect to attain excellence in any pursuit, great or small, when you are so easily abashed?” “May I take the same liberty with you, and ask how can it possibly concern any one but myself that I have taken this resolution?” “There you have me! a hazard and no mistake! I may be your match at billiards; but when it comes to repartee, you are the better man, Heathcote.”