rapacity of the elder nephew. Once aware of its existence, he knows
how to use means for compelling its surrender; and the feeble old man
can no longer call his hard-earned gains his own except on
sufferance. The only means of guarding it is to lodge it secretly in
a distant bank, without the suspicion of his nephew Samuel; but the
invalid is too infirm to leave his apartment; his fingers, crippled
by gout, refuse even to guide the pen. He can only watch for an
opportunity, and this is at length afforded by the absence of the
elder nephew for two days at the county races. This will afford time
for a trustworthy and intelligent messenger to convey the sum to
town, deposit it in Messrs, Drummond's bank, and return unobserved.
When, therefore, supper is brought in, Mr. Axworthy sends for the lad
on whom he has learnt to depend, and shows much disappointment at his
absence. Where is he? Is he engaged with low companions in the
haunts of vice, that are the declivity towards crime? Is he gaming,
or betting, or drinking? No. He has obeyed the summons of his
country; he is a zealous volunteer, and is eagerly using a weapon
presented to him by a highly respected gentleman of large fortune in
a neighbouring county; nay, so far is he from any sinister purpose,
that he is making an appointment with a fellow-rifleman for the
ensuing Monday. On his return at dark, he receives a pressing
summons to his uncle's room, and hastens to obey it without pausing
to lay aside his rifle. The commission is explained, and well
understanding the painfulness of the cause, he discreetly asks no
questions, but prepares to execute it. The sum of £124 12s. is taken
from the drawer of the desk, the odd money assigned to travelling
expenses, the £120 placed in a bag brought in from the office for the
purpose, bearing the initials of the owner, and a receipt in a
private pocket-book was signed by him for the amount, and left open
on the table for the ink to dry.