Philip didn’t see it in that light, and was so mortified that he didn’t give Congreve an opportunity to ask further about the watch, but hurriedly moved on. All the remainder of the afternoon he passed in a sullen frame of mind.
CHAPTER XXX — CONGREVE’S SCHEME
James Congreve was a dangerous companion for Philip. He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
They had commenced playing cards for amusement—at least, that was Congreve’s pretext—but it had led to playing for a stake.
Occasionally, when the stake was small, Congreve allowed Philip to win; but, when more than a dollar was staked on the game, he generally managed to win himself.
Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
Why had he remained in this country village so long? Surely, it didn’t pay him to fleece one victim, and that one a boy.
I can give the explanation.
He had been leading a fast life for a year back, and a physician whom he consulted had recommended country air and quiet for the summer.