All in a garden fair; the simple story of three boys ... - University Library

26 ALL 'IX A GARDKX FAIR.
bolted : yes, lie got hold of all the money that
he could and bolted. Then Engledew fiiiled,
and—I suppose because it was such a disgrace-
ful thing to fail for such a trifle—he—he—in
fact he was ashamed of it, and he hanged himself.
But the boy knows nothing of that.'
' Lucky,' said Mr. Colliber, ' that some of
u^ weren't troubled by the same scruples. Else
we might be all hanging in a row.'
' There are differences, my dear friend,' said
Sir Charles gently. ' My
own failure was for a
hundred and fifty thousand. Yours, Colliber,
as all the world knows, for a colossal half-
million. It is an event in history. It will not
be forgotten. To fail for such an amount is
glorious— glorious.'
His fixce, on which the sunshine seemed to
linger, glowed with admiration at the thought
of so much greatness. But Mr. Colliber only
scowled, as if this greatness had been thrust
upon him.
' The iaihircs of the residents in tliis village,'
said Mr. Skantlebury, rubbing his hands,