"It's not my sword, exactly," replied the man; "and yet I can not
return it to its owner or to the family. It was brought me to be
cleaned by one of Colonel Beverley's people, and before it was called
for the house was burned, and every soul perished. It was one of the
colonel's swords, I am sure, as there is E. B. on a silver plate
engraved on it. I have a bill owing me for work done at Arnwood, and I
have no chance of its being paid now; so, whether I am to sell the
sword, or what to do, I hardly know."
Edward remained silent for some little while, for he could not trust
himself to speak; at last he replied: "To be candid with you, I am,
and all my family have been, followers of the Beverley family, and I
should be sorry if the colonel's sword was to fall into any other
hands. I think, therefore, if I pay the bill which is due, you may
safely let me hold the sword as a security for the money, with the
express understanding that if it is ever claimed by the Beverley
family I am to give it up."
"Certainly," said Oswald; "nothing can be fairer or more clearly put."
"I think so, too, young man," replied the shopkeeper. "Of course you
will leave your name and address?"
"Yes; and my friend here will vouch for its being correct," replied
Edward.
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