"'It is true I did buy a service from those eminent goldsmiths; but, after the Sheffield firm had copied the pattern, I pledged it with old Lombard, the pawnbroker. It was redeemed for a day to satisfy you, Mr. Snaps, and then repledged. The Earl of A. bought the duplicate, and now has the real property, of which you have the counterfeit service.'
"'You are a cursed villain,' said my master; 'and thank Heaven! you will be hanged!'
"'Only that a felon's cell in Newgate is not the most fit place to bandy compliments in, I should willingly aspirate the same of you, Snaps!"
"'And was it to tell me this, you atrocious scoundrel, that you sent for me?' said my master.
"'Not exactly,' answered M'Flummery; 'not exactly, Snaps; I want you to do me a favour.'
"'Was there ever such audacity?' said Snaps. 'Ask me to do you a favour! You, who have told me to my face that you have swindled, cheated, plundered, robbed me! A favour! Come Pounce,' he added, turning to me, 'let us be gone.'
"'Stay!' said the prisoner; 'you have said I shall be hanged!'
"'Ay, as sure as fate!'
"'My fate is death, I know; but not perhaps by hanging. I have potent interest at work for me at this moment; and, though sure of conviction, I may yet get the sentence of death commuted to transportation for life, and you would not like that would you, Snaps? You wish me dead—dead—dead!'
"After an inward struggle my master muttered out, 'I do.'