Then the laughter was very loud.

Was it to be believed that anybody could be taken in by such a story as this?
There was he, Mr.Tyrrwhit: he had ever been known as a sharp fellow; and Mr.Samuel Hart, who was now away on his travels, and the others;--they were all of them sharp fellows.

Was it to be believed that such a set of gentlemen, so keenly alive to their own interest, should be made the victims of such a trick as this?
Not if they knew it! Not if Mr.Tyrrwhit knew it! It was in this shape that the matter reached Mr.Grey's ears; and then it was asked, if it were so, what would be the punishment to which they would be subjected who had defrauded Mr.Tyrrwhit of his just claim.

Mr.
Tyrrwhit, who on one occasion made his way into Mr.Grey's presence, wished to get an answer to that question from Mr.Grey.

"The man is dying," said Mr.Grey, solemnly.
"Dying! He is not more likely to die than you are, from all I hear." At this time rumors of Mr.Scarborough's improved health had reached the creditors in London.