bar-parlor fire to play the part of listener rather than of talker.  He had mainly confined himself to the exhibition of an attentive interest in Solomon’s stories, or in his host’s sagacious observations with respect to the investment of capital, such as:  “One couldn’t be too cautious where one put one’s money;” and, “Where the interest was high the risk was great, and where it was low it was not worth while to let it leave one’s hand.”  Next to the subject of local superstition, “investment” was the favorite subject of debate between Trevethick and “Sol;” and Richard, whose ignorance insured his impartiality, had been the judicious scale-holder between them.  But upon the present occasion it was the young artist who led the talk and chose the matter.  He told them of the splendors of Crompton and of the marvelous prodigality of its owner, and they listened with greedy ears.  To vulgar natures, the topic of mere wealth is ever an attractive one, and in the present instance there was an additional whet to appetite in the connection of Carew with Gethin.  He was naturally an object of curiosity to his tenant Trevethick, and never before had the old man had the opportunity of hearing at first hand of the eccentricities of the Squire.  In relating them Richard took good care to show by implication on what intimate terms he stood with him, and hinted at the obligation under which he had put him by throwing his park gate open so opportunely.  The impression which he left upon his audience, and desired to leave, was, that Carew was indebted to him for having saved his life.

“Then it is likely the Squire would do any thing for you that you chose to ask him?” observed Trevethick, with the thought of his own debt to Solomon’s father doubtless in his mind.

“Well, he certainly ought to do so,” answered Richard, carelessly; “but, on the other hand, it is not very probable that I shall put him to the test.”

“Just so,” returned Trevethick, sucking at his pipe; “you’re independent of the likes of him.”

“Altogether,” was Richard’s reply.

The old man spoke no more, but sat in a cloud of smoke and thought for the rest of the evening.  Even when “Sol” rose up to go—­Harry having retired long since, for they kept very early hours at the Gethin Castle—­the landlord did not, as usual, accompany him, but mixed himself another glass of his favorite liquor.  As for Richard, it was not his custom to seek his bed until after midnight; so Trevethick and he were left to one another’s company.  It was an opportunity to which the latter had been looking forward for many a day, but which he had never desired so keenly as at that moment.

“Are you likely to be at Crompton soon again?” inquired the landlord, pursuing the subject of the evening’s talk.

“I have no intention of going there at present,” returned Richard.  “The fact is, Mr. Trevethick, between ourselves, I am but a poor man in comparison with many of those I meet there, and their ways and habits are too expensive for me.”