Sowerby obtained, as a matter of course, a rule for a new trial; and a fresh action was brought.  All at once Hayling refused to go on, alleging deficiency of funds.  He told Jennings that in his opinion it would be better that he should give in to Sowerby’s whim, who only wanted the drawers in order to comply with the testator’s wishes.  “Besides,” remarked Hayling in conclusion, “he is sure to get the article, you know, when it comes to be sold under a writ of fi fa.”  A few days after this conversation it was ascertained that Hayling was to succeed to Sowerby’s business, the latter gentleman being about to retire upon the fortune bequeathed him by Mr. Lisle.

At last Caleb, driven nearly out of his senses, though still doggedly obstinate, by the harassing perplexities in which he found himself, thought of applying to us.

“A very curious affair, upon my word,” remarked Mr. Flint, as soon as Caleb had unburdened himself of the story of his woes and cares; “and in my opinion by no means explainable by Sowerby’s anxiety to fulfill the testator’s wishes.  He cannot expect to get two hundred pence out of you; and Mrs. Warner, you say, is equally unable to pay.  Very odd indeed.  Perhaps if we could get time, something might turn up.”

With this view Flint looked over the papers Caleb had brought, and found the declaration was in trover—­a manifest error—­the notes never admittedly having been in Sowerby’s actual possession.  We accordingly demurred to the form of action, and the proceedings were set aside.  This, however, proved of no ultimate benefit.  Sowerby persevered, and a fresh action was instituted against the unhappy shoe-mender.  So utterly overcrowed and disconsolate was poor Caleb, that he determined to give up the drawers which was all Sowerby even now required, and so wash his hands of the unfortunate business.  Previous, however, to this being done, it was determined that another thorough and scientific examination of the mysterious piece of furniture should be made; and for this purpose Mr. Flint obtained a workman skilled in the mysteries of secret contrivances, from the desk and dressing-case establishment in King Street, Holborn, and proceeded with him to Watley.

The man performed his task with great care and skill; every depth and width was guaged and measured, in order to ascertain if there were any false bottoms or backs; and the workman finally pronounced that there was no concealed receptacle in the article.

“I am sure there is,” persisted Flint, whom disappointment as usual rendered but the more obstinate; “and so is Sowerby:  and he knows too, that it is so cunningly contrived as to be undiscoverable, except by a person in the secret, which he no doubt at first imagined Caleb to be.  I’ll tell you what we’ll do—­You have the necessary tools with you.  Split the confounded chest of drawers into shreds—­I’ll be answerable for the consequences.”