None of them were enabled to see Captain Scarborough, who,
after a short period, disappeared altogether from the scene. But they
were, one and all, convinced that the matter had been arranged between
him and his father.
There was one from whom better things were expected than to advance
money on post-obits to a gambler at a rate by which he was to be repaid
one hundred pounds for every forty pounds, on the death of a gentleman
who was then supposed to be dying. For it was proved afterward that this
Mr. Tyrrwhit had made most minute inquiries among the old squire's
servants as to the state of their master's health. He had supplied forty
thousand pounds, for which he was to receive one hundred thousand pounds
when the squire died, alleging that he should have difficulty in
recovering the money. But he had collected the sum so advanced on better
terms among his friends, and had become conspicuously odious in the
matter.
In about a month's time it was generally believed that Mr. Scarborough
had so managed matters that his scheme would be successful. A struggle
was made to bring the matter at once into the law courts, but the
attempt for the moment failed. It was said that the squire down at
Tretton was too ill, but that proceedings would be taken as soon as he
was able to bear them.
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