“I!” exclaimed Wraysford. “Not a bit of me. You won it.”
“But I never meant to go in for it, and wouldn’t have if it had not been for the Fifth. After all, it’s only twenty pounds. Do take it, old man. I’ve got the Nightingale, you know.”
“What does that matter? I wouldn’t have this for anything. The fellows tried to make me think I was the real winner of the Nightingale, and I was idiot enough half to believe it. But I think I’ve had a lesson.”
“But, Wray—”
“Not a word, my dear fellow; I won’t hear of it.”
“Very well, then; I shall shy the money when I get it into the nearest fish-pond.”
“All serene,” said Wraysford, laughing; “I hope the fish will relish it.”
At that moment there was a knock at the door.
“Come in,” said Oliver.
The door opened, and, to the astonishment of the two boys, Loman entered.