"Gipsies go in gangs, men and women. He might lend, though she told fortunes," said Feltram.
"It's the first time I ever heard of gipsies lending money;" and he eyed the purse with a whimsical smile.
With his lean fingers still holding it, Feltram sat down at the table. His face contracted as if in cunning thought, and his chin sank upon his breast as he leaned back.
"I think," continued Sir Bale, "ever since they were spoiled, the Egyptians have been a little shy of lending, and leave that branch of business to the Hebrews."
"What would you give to know, now, the winner at Heckleston races?" said Feltram suddenly, raising his eyes.
"Yes; that would be worth something," answered Sir Bale, looking at him with more interest than the incredulity he affected would quite warrant.
"And this money I have power to lend you, to make your game."
"Do you mean that really?" said Sir Bale, with a new energy in tone, manner, and features.
"That's heavy; there are some guineas there," said Feltram with a dark smile, raising the purse in his hand a little, and letting it drop upon the table with a clang.
"There is something there, at all events," said Sir Bale.