The Birthright. Hocking Joseph

If the beggar should have a stroke of luck he might get it for a few thousands."

      "But where can he get them now? His last chance is gone. What can a lad, without money, home, or friends, do? That's settled all right."

      "I don't know about that. He's clever and he's determined. Why did he continue to stay around here? He must have something in his mind."

      "He's a fool, that's all. He has a savage sort of idea that by watching me he's taking care of his own interests. That shows what a short-sighted fellow he is. If he'd brains he'd have acted otherwise. You will see, he'll get himself in the clutches of the law again, and then – I'll manage him."

      "But if we can't find him? I tell you Jasper isn't a fool, and he knows our purposes by this time."

      "Well, Nick, you've got your chance. A rich wife and three years to win her in, my boy. I'm her guardian till she's twenty-one, and I'll take care no one else gets her. A pretty girl is Naomi, too; rather awkward to manage, and a bit fiery, but all the better to suit you."

      "And she doesn't like me," replied Nick.

      "Make her like you, my boy. Be a bit diplomatic, and play to win. Besides, you must win!"

      "Did you notice how funny she was last night? I asked her where she had been, and she seemed to regard my question as a liberty. And did you see how eager she was when we were talking about Jasper afterward?"

      "But she knows nothing about him. She never saw him."

      "Yes, she saw him pilloried in Falmouth. She thinks him treated badly. She has all sorts of funny ideas about justice."

      "Of course, all silly girls have; that's nothing. At the same time, Nick, this shows you must play carefully. I don't want any complications in getting her money, and mind you, that money I must have, or we are all in deep water."