I am an old man; and I desired peace and my comforts.

Deeming these assured, I paused ere I risked their loss against the stake which in King James's name you set upon the board.

But it happens to-day that these are assured no longer," he ended, his voice breaking almost, his eyes haggard.

"They are assured no longer." "You mean ?" inquired Caryll.
"I mean that I am confronted by the danger of beggary, ruin, shame, and the sponging-house, at best." Mr.Caryll was stirred out of his calm.

"My lord!" he cried.