The gallant blushed deeply, took a pinch of snuff, and bowed himself away. “Not so fast, my friend,” said Captain Jack to him, as he whispered again. “You are in very snug quarters at present, and I don’t wish to disturb you; but if you know how to keep a still tongue in your head, while here in the company, so do _I_. You understand; is it a bargain?” “I fear, my eccentric friend, that you have made a slight mistake,” said the elegantly-attired young gentleman, with a curling lip. “I know you not.” “I have made no mistake,” was the whispered answer; “I can, you know, when I like, swear black’s white. But let me ask, do you know a certain person in the India House, a gay young spark about town, named Charles Warbeck?” said Captain Jack, winking. The stranger tried to smile, but could not. It was Ned Warbeck’s elder brother! He turned deadly pale, cast a quick glance at Phillip Redgill, and joined the card-players again. But, though he attempted to be merry and careless, care sat upon his brow, and he sighed to himself, “I am innocent, but still suspicion is strong against me. Whoever it was that forged Sir Richard’s signature to that bill was no friend of mine.” And he could not help thinking, as he sat in that gay and merry throng, “It was an unlucky day I ever made the acquaintance of you, Phillip Redgill. Still, the end is not yet.” Captain Jack’s companions made themselves very much at home, in a rough, off-handed manner. They were adepts at dice and cards, and, although they began to gamble on no capital whatever, they none of them were long ere they had won large sums from those present. This happened not so much through fair as foul play, and downright roguery. However, as long as their cheating tricks were not discovered, or even suspected, they continued the play, and, together with fine wines, spirits, cigars, and the like, they seemed to be enjoying themselves very much, nor did they for a moment know the true reason why Captain Jack had called there that night. This, however, was soon explained. The first opportunity that offered, Captain Jack sought Phillip Redgill’s side, and began a whispered conversation, “You did not call at the ‘Cat and Bagpipes’ as you promised.” “No,” said Redgill, “I was too unwell.” “Perhaps the company didn’t suit you?” “True; I must confess it wouldn’t look well for a person of my standing to be seen in the company of thieves, vagabonds, and the like.” “Of course not; I forgot all about that.” “Besides, my wound is painful at present.” “Of course it is; it was on account of that I came here myself, in order to save you a long journey.” “Why did you bring all those fellows with you?” “In case I might need them,” said Captain Jack, grinning. “Need them? I do not understand you,” said Redgill, turning red. “But you may do so after a time.”