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128 both on business of the same class. He may give us his confidence, or he may withdraw it.'

'Looking at the way the matter was managed before, perhaps the latter may be the better for him.'

'Excuse me, Mr. Dockwrath, for saying that that is a question I shall not discuss with you.'

Upon this Mr. Dockwrath jumped from his chair, and took up his hat. 'Good morning to you, sir,' said Mr. Round, without moving from his chair; 'I will tell Mr. Mason that you have declined making any communication to us. He will probably know your address—if he should want it.'

Mr. Dockwrath paused. Was he not about to sacrifice substantial advantage to momentary anger? Would it not be better that he should carry this impudent young London lawyer with him if it were possible? 'Sir,' said he, 'I am quite willing to tell you all that I know of this matter at present, if yon will have the patience hear it.'

'Patience, Mr. Dockwrath! Why I am made of patience. Sit down again, Mr. Dockwrath, and think of it.'

Mr. Dockwrath did sit down again, and did think of it; and it ended in his telling to Mr. Round all that he had told to Mr. Mason. As he did so, he looked closely at Mr. Round's face, but there he could read nothing. 'Exactly,' said Mr. Round. 'The fourteenth of July is the date of both, I have taken a memorandum of that. A final deed for closing partnership, was it? I have got that down. John Kenneby and Bridget Bolster. I remember the names,—witnesses to both deeds, were they? I understand; nothing about this other deed was brought up at the trial? I see the point—such as it is. John Kennedy and Bridget Bolster;—both believed to be living. Oh, you can give their address, can you? Decline to do so now? Very well; it does not matter. I think I understand it all now, Mr. Dockwrath; and when we want you again, you shall hear from us. Samuel Dockwrath, is it? Thank you, Good morning. If Mr. Mason wishes to see you, he will write, of course. Good day, Mr. Dockwrath.'

And so Mr. Dockwrath went home, not quite contented with his day's work.