’Why, thus much.  I’m quite sure it began with a certificate of his death; and then, I think, was added a statement, at his last request, which surprised, or perhaps, shocked us.  I only say I think—­for though I remember that such a statement was solemnly made, I can’t bring to mind whether it was set out in the writing of which I speak.  Only I am confident it referred to some crime—­a confession of something; but for the life o’ me I can’t recollect what.  If you could let me know the subject of your suspicion it might help me.  I should never have remembered this occurrence, for instance, had it not been for our meeting t’other day.  I can’t exactly—­in fact, at all—­bring to mind what the crime was:  forgery, or perjury—­eh?’

’Why, Sir, ‘twas this,’ said Mervyn, and stopped short, not knowing how far even this innocent confidence might compromise Irons.  Dangerfield, his head slightly inclined, was disconcertingly silent and attentive.

‘I—­I suspect,’ resumed Mervyn, ’I suspect, Sir, ‘twas perjury,’ said Mervyn.

’Oh! perjury?  I see—­in the matter of his testimony in that distressing prosecution.  My Lord Dunoran—­hey?’

Mervyn bowed, and Dangerfield remained silent and thoughtful for a minute or two, and then said:—­

’I see, Sir—­I think I see; but, who then was the guilty man, who killed Mr. ——­ pooh, What’s-his-name—­the deceased man,—­you know?’

’Why, upon that point, Sir, I should have some hesitation in speaking.  I can only now say thus much, that I’m satisfied, he, Charles Archer, in swearing as he did, committed wilful perjury.’

’You are?—­oho!—­oh!  This is satisfactory.  You don’t, of course, mean mere conjecture—­eh?’

’I know not, Sir, how you would call it, but ’tis certainly a feeling fixed in my mind.’

’Well, Sir, I trust it may prove well founded.  I wish I had myself a copy of that paper; but, though I have it not, I think I can put you in a way to get it.  It was addressed, I perfectly recollect, to the Messrs. Elrington, gentlemen attorneys, in Chancery-lane, London.  I remember it, because my Lord Castlemallard employed them eight or nine years afterwards in some law business, which recalled the whole matter to my mind before it had quite faded.  No doubt they have it there.  ’Twas about a week after his death.  The date of that you can have from newspapers.  You’ll not mention my name when writing, because they mayn’t like the trouble of searching, and my Lord Castlemallard would not approve my meddling in other persons’ affairs—­even in yours.’

‘I sha’n’t forget.  But what if they refuse to seek the paper out?’

’Make it worth their while in money, Sir; and, though they may grumble over it, I warrant they’ll find it.’

‘Sir,’ said Mervyn, suddenly, ’I cannot thank you half enough.  This statement, should it appear attached, as you suppose, to the certificate, may possibly place me on the track of that lost witness, who yet may restore my ruined name and fortunes.  I thank you, Sir.  From my heart I do thank you.’