“I thought you were employed by Mr. Scrobby,” said Morton, who had heard much of the story by this time.

“Then, Mr. Morton, I must make bold to say that you have heard wrong.  I know nothing of Mr. Scrobby and don’t want.  There ain’t nothing about the poisoning of that fox in this case of ours.  Scrobby and Goarly may have done that, or Scrobby and Goarly may be as innocent as two babes unborn for aught I know or care.  Excuse me, Mr. Morton, but I have to be on my p’s and q’s I see.  This is a case for trespass and damage against Lord Rufford in which we ask for 40s. an acre.  Of course there is expenses.  There’s my own time.  I ain’t to be kept here talking to you two gentlemen for nothing, I suppose.  Well; this gentleman comes to me and pays me 15 pounds to go on.  I couldn’t have gone on without something.  The gentleman saw that plain enough.  And he told me he’d see me through the rest of it”

“I said nothing of the kind, sir.”

“Very well.  Then we must put it to a jury.  May I make bold to ask whether you are going out of the country all at once?”

“I shall be here for the next two months, at least”

“Happy to hear it, Sir, and have no doubt it will all be settled before that time—­amiable or otherwise.  But as I am money out of pocket I did hope you would have paid me something on account to-day.”

Then Mr. Gotobed made his offer, informing Mr. Bearside that he had brought his friend, Mr. Morton, with him in order that there might be a witness.  “I could see that, sir, with half an eye,” said the attorney unabashed.  He was willing to pay Mr. Bearside a further sum of ten pounds immediately to be quit of the affair, not because he thought that any such sum was due, but because he wished to free himself from further trouble in the matter.  Mr. Bearside hinted in a very cavalier way that 20 pounds might be thought of.  A further payment of 20 pounds would cover the money he was out of pocket.  But this proposition Mr. Gotobed indignantly refused, and then left the office with his friend.  “Wherever there are lawyers there will be rogues,” said the Senator, as soon as he found himself in the street.  “It is a noble profession, that of the law; the finest perhaps that the work of the world affords; but it gives scope and temptation for roguery.  I do not think, however, that you would find anything in America so bad as that”

“Why did you go to him without asking any questions?”

“Of whom was I to ask questions?  When I took up Goarly’s case he had already put it into this man’s hands.”

“I am sorry you should be troubled, Mr. Gotobed; but, upon my word, I cannot say but what it serves you right.”

“That is because you are offended with me.  I endeavoured to protect a poor man against a rich man, and that in this country is cause of offence.”