"Well, sir, there is no need to refer to the matter now."
"Pardon me, squire, but I am obliged to keep to it."
"Why?"
"Because I've been unlucky??"
"I suppose, Mr. Denton," said the squire haughtily, "you are capable of managing your own business. If you don't manage it well, and meet with losses, I certainly am not responsible, and I cannot understand why you bring the matter to me."
"You see, squire," said Tony, with a grin, "I look upon you as a friend, and so it is natural that I should come to you for advice."
"I wish I dared kick the fellow out of the house," thought Prince Duncan. "He is a low scamp, and I don't like the reputation of having such visitors."
Under ordinary circumstances, and but for the secret which Tony possessed, he would not have been suffered to remain in the squire's study five minutes, but conscience makes cowards of us all, and Mr. Duncan felt that he was no longer his own master.
"I'll tell you about the bad luck, squire," Tony resumed. "You know the bond you gave me the last time I called?"
Mr. Duncan winced, and he did not reply.