'Quite cruel,' said Mr Pyke.
'Horrid cruel,' said Mr Pluck.
'I don't care if I do lose,' said Sir Mulberry; 'for one tolerable look at Miss Nickleby's eyes is worth double the money.'
'More,' said Mr Pyke.
'Far more,' said Mr Pluck.
'How goes the enemy, Snobb?' asked Sir Mulberry Hawk.
'Four minutes gone.'
'Bravo!'
'Won't you ma-ake one effort for me, Miss Nickleby?' asked Lord Frederick, after a short interval.
'You needn't trouble yourself to inquire, my buck,' said Sir Mulberry; 'Miss Nickleby and I understand each other; she declares on my side, and shows her taste. You haven't a chance, old fellow. Time, Snobb?'
'Eight minutes gone.'
'Get the money ready,' said Sir Mulberry; 'you'll soon hand over.'
'Ha, ha, ha!' laughed Mr Pyke.
Mr Pluck, who always came second, and topp
