“Hulloa, Edwards!” he said one day about the middle of term, “you have been very lazy about your football lately; you promised to be good at it, you know. It’s a pity to give it up.”
“But I have not,” said Edwards. “I am going in for it again now.” And he meant it; for the last penny of the loan had vanished, and he felt the need of excitement and action of some kind.
“That’s right, old fellow,” said Crawley. “Of course you play for your house against ours in the match.”
“I believe so.”
“Come and have a game this afternoon,” said Crawley, turning back after they had parted; for the pallid and careworn face of the other struck him, and he thought very likely a little exercise and bustle was just what he wanted, but that he felt listless, as one does sometimes, when one is glad afterwards if some one else will save us the trouble of making up our minds, and start us.
“No, thanks,” replied Edwards, “I can’t come to-day, I have something else I must do. But I shall practise regularly after to-day.” And he went on his way to meet Saurin, and go with him to Slam’s yard.
For a crisis had arrived in their affairs which assumed a most serious aspect. It was no longer a question of obtaining the means of continuing their gambling; they had awakened from that dream, and saw what dupes they had been. And indeed the Slams, father and son, found that their little game was being talked about in the neighbourhood too freely for safety, and had abruptly discontinued it. Josiah, indeed, was about to take his departure altogether, and in announcing that intention to Saurin and Edwards, demanded immediate payment of the money he had advanced them, in consideration of which they had jointly signed an acknowledgment for five pounds. They had, indeed, kept away from the yard when their money was all gone, but Josiah Slam was not to be balked in that manner. He went over to Weston, and accosted Saurin in the street.
“I cannot pay you just now; don’t speak to me here, we shall be seen,” said Saurin.
“What do I care for that?” replied Josiah. “If you don’t come to me I’ll come to you.”
“I will come to the yard to-morrow afternoon, only do go away now,” urged Saurin.