Boswell always delighted in fighting with his gigantic backer close behind him.

The others saw the joke, however, and, led by Larry, burst out into a laugh that made Puss and his loyal backers scowl.

Howsomever, master Harry, if they are so minded as to make a quarrel about the thing, give them as good as they send, and count on manly backers.

Much sooner than his most optimistic backers had a right to expect for there were bets laid on the outcome there in Pinnacleon the brow of the hill a swirl of red dust grew rapidly to a cloud.

Thurnall attacks him; Major Campbell, Headley; the neighbours join in the cry; for there is no mistaking cause and effect there, and no one bears a great love to him; besides, terrified and conscience-stricken men are glad of a scapegoat; and some of those who were his stoutest backers in the vestry are now, in their terror, the loudest against him, ready to impute the whole cholera to him.

The backers of the organization, tired of the general conduct of the sport, were only too willing to come to an acceptable agreement and retire.

The opening of a new gambling saloon under his name (with some wealthy backer furnishing the capital, as is usually the case) would explain why young Van Quintem had not been seen at any of his old haunts on Broadway for a fortnight past.