“Very true, sir. But who gambles must set a stake upon the board. Your lordship has been something of a gamester already, and--or so I gather--with little profit. Here is a chance to play another game that may mend the evil fortunes of the last.” The earl scanned him in surprise. “You are excellent well informed,” said he, between surprise and irony. “My trade demands it. Knowledge is my buckler.” His lordship nodded slowly, and fell very thoughtful, the letter before him, his eyes wandering ever and anon to con again some portion of it. “It is a game in which I stake my head,” he muttered presently. “Has your lordship anything else to stake?” inquired Mr. Caryll. The earl looked at him again with a gloomy eye, and sighed, but said nothing. Mr. Caryll resumed. “It is for your lordship to declare,” he said quite coolly, “whether his majesty has covered your stake. If you think not, it is even possible that he may be induced to improve his offer. Though if you think not, for my own part I consider that you set too high a value on that same head of yours.” Touched in his vanity, Ostermore looked up at him with a sudden frown. “You take a bold tone, sir,” said he, “a very bold tone!” “Boldness is the attribute next to knowledge most essential to my calling,” Mr. Caryll reminded him. His lordship's eye fell before the other's cold glance, and again he lapsed into thoughtfulness, his cheek now upon his hand. Suddenly he looked up again. “Tell me,” said he. “Who else is in this thing? Men say that Atterbury is not above suspicion. Is it--” Mr. Caryll bent forward to tap the king's letter with a rigid forefinger. “When your lordship tells me that you are ready to concert upon embarking your fortunes in this bottom, you shall find me disposed, perhaps, to answer questions concerning others. Meanwhile, our concern is with yourself.” “Dons and the devil!” swore his lordship angrily. “Is this a way to speak to me?” He scowled at the agent. “Tell me, my fine fellow, what would happen if I were to lay this letter you have brought me before the nearest justice?” “I cannot say for sure,” answered Mr. Caryll quietly, “but it is very probable it would help your lordship to the gallows. For if you will give yourself the trouble of reading it again--and more carefully--you will see that it makes acknowledgment of the offer of services you wrote his majesty a month or so ago.” His lordship's eyes dropped to the letter again. He caught his breath in sudden fear. “Were I your lordship, I should leave the nearest justice to enjoy his dinner in peace,” said Mr. Caryll, smiling. His lordship laughed in a sickly manner. He felt foolish--a rare condition in him, as in most fools. “Well, well,” said he gruffly. “The matter needs reflection. It needs reflection.”