“Well,” said Bounderby, stopping and facing about to confront them all, “I’ll tell you. It’s not to be mentioned everywhere; it’s not to be mentioned anywhere: in order that the scoundrels concerned (there’s a gang of ’em) may be thrown off their guard. So take this in confidence. Now wait a bit.” Mr. Bounderby wiped his head again. “What should you say to;” here he violently exploded: “to a hand being in it?”

“I hope,” said Harthouse, lazily, “not our friend Blackpot?”

“Say Pool instead of Pot, sir,” returned Bounderby, “and that’s the man.”

Louisa faintly uttered some word of incredulity and surprise.