he said, with solemn voice, addressing the host:

"'Thou hast robbed my father all the days of his life, and thou hast
robbed the orphan. May the curse of God be upon you!'

"The host grew furious; then he looked ashamed, and shouted angrily:

"'Bring me L40,000, and you shall have your estate back. I never
robbed you, but you lost your inheritance by your own follies.'

"'Gentlemen,' said the beggar, 'I take you all to witness that this
thief says I can have my estate back for L40,000.'

"The people murmured, and the three friends said: 'We are
witnesses.'

"The beggar ran out into the night, and returned with a man laden
with sacks, and they began to count out L40,000 upon a side-table,
where a haunch of venison still smoked.

"When they had counted out the money, the beggar said:

"'There is your L40,000; sign this receipt.'

"The amazed factor drew back, when the three friends said:

"'You must sign; you are a gentleman of your word, of course.'

"Mechanically John o' Scales signed the paper.