Chapter 9

_Enter BATES._

_Bates._ Is it a wonder then to see me? The forces are in readiness, and only wait for orders. Where's Beverley?

_Stu._ At last night's rendezvous, waiting for Me. Is Dawson with you?

_Bates._ Dressed like a nobleman; with money in his pocket, and a set of dice that shall deceive the devil.

_Stu._ That fellow has a head to undo a nation. But for the rest, they are such low-mannered, ill-looking dogs, I wonder Beverley has not suspected them.

_Bates._ No matter for manners and looks: do You supply them with money, and they are gentlemen by profession. The passion of gaming casts such a mist before the eyes, that the nobleman shall be surrounded with sharpers, and imagine himself in the best company.

_Stu._ There's that Williams too: it was He, I suppose, that called at Beverley's with the note this morning. What directions did you give him?

_Bates._ To knock loud, and be clamorous. Did not you see him?

_Stu._ No. The fool sneaked off with Jarvis. Had he appeared within-doors, as directed, the note had been discharged. I waited there on purpose. I want the women to think well of me; for Lewson's grown suspicious; he told me so himself.

_Bates._ What answer did you make him?

_Stu._ A short one. That I would see him soon, for farther explanation.

_Bates._ We must take care of him. But what have we to do with Beverley? Dawson and the rest are wondering at you.

_Stu._ Why let them wonder. I have designs above Their narrow reach. They see me lend him money; and they stare at me. But they are fools. I want him to believe me beggared by him.

_Bates._ And what then?

_Stu._ Ay, there's the question; but no matter. At night you may know more. He waits for me at Wilson's. I told the women where to find him.

_Bates._ To what purpose?

_Stu._ To save suspicion. It looked friendly; and they thanked me. Old Jarvis was dispatched to him.

_Bates._ And may intreat him home.

_Stu._ No; he experts money from me: but I'll have none. His wife's jewels must go. Women are easy creatures, and refuse nothing where they love. Follow me to Wilson's; but besure he sees you not. You are a man of character, you know; of prudence and discretion. Wait for me in an outer room; I shall have business for you presently. Come, Sir.

Let drudging fools by honesty grow great; The shorter road to riches is deceit.

[_Exeunt._