make one effort--one last
effort--to save my life. Think of our early years. Think of my generous
father--of his love and friendship--of all he sacrificed for your
sake--and will you let his son be hung like a dog, when a few words of
persuasion might save him."

The criminal bowed his head upon his hands, and wept long and
passionately. Anthony was deeply affected by his misery. Had Frederic
been at home, he thought, they might have done something to rescue him.
They might have gone to the miser, and together represented the
necessity of the case, and by offering large interest for the loan of
the money, have obtained it. What was to be done? Confounded and
bewildered, he could think of no plan at all likely to succeed.

Alas for Anthony! The money which had been left in his hands by Frederic
Wildegrave, at that unlucky moment flashed across his mind. It was
exactly the sum. He was sure that Frederic would lend it to him at his
earnest request. Anthony was young and inexperienced, he had yet to
learn that we are not called upon, in such matters, to think for others,
or to do evil that good may come of it. He looked doubtfully in the
haggard face of the wretched suppliant.

"Have you no means of raising the money, Godfrey?"

"Yes--in a few days, perhaps. But it will be too late then."

"Cannot you persuade the Jew to wait?"

"He is inexorable. But, Anthony, if you can borrow the money for me
to-day, I will repay it to-morrow night."

"Can you promise me this?"

"I swear it. I will sell the reversion of the legacy left me by my aunt
Maitland, which falls due at her husband's death. It is eight hundred
pounds; I will sell it for half its value to meet the demand. But to
accomplish this, more time is required than I can just now command. Will
this satisfy you?"

"It will. But woe to us both if you deceive me!"

"Can you imagine me such an ungrateful scoundrel?"

"You have betrayed me once before. If you fail this time, Godfrey, you
will not die alone."

Anthony went to the desk, and unlocked it with a trembling hand. As he
opened the drawer which contained the money, a sudden chill crept
through his veins, and he paused, irresolute how to act. "It is not
theft," he argued to himself; "it is but a loan, which will soon be
repaid. A few hours cannot make much difference. Long before Frederic
requires the money, it will be replaced."

He had gone too far to recede. Godfrey was already at his side and
eagerly