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 'Gentlemen,' said Mr. Round, 'we have first to see whether there has been any injustice or not. If you will allow me I will explain to you what I now propose to do.'

'Proceed, sir,' said Mr. Mason, who was by no means satisfied with his young attorney.

'Bridget Bolster is now in the next room, and as far as I can understand the case at present, she would be the witness on whom your case, Mr. Mason, would most depend. The man Kenneby I have not yet seen; but from what I understand he is less likely to prove a willing witness than Mrs. Bolster.'

'I cannot go along with you there, Mr. Round,' said Dockwrath.

'Excuse me, sir, but I am only stating my opinion. If I should find that this woman is unable to say that she did not sign two separate documents on that day—that is, to say so with a positive and point blank assurance, I shall recommend you, as my client, to drop the prosecution.'

'I will never drop it,' said Mr. Mason.

'You will do as you please,' continued Round; 'I can only say what under such circumstances will be the advice given to you by this firm. I have talked the matter over very carefully with my father and with our other partner, and we shall not think well of going on with it unless I shall now find that your view is strongly substantiated by this woman.'

Then outspoke Mr. Dockwrath, 'Under these circumstances, Mr. Mason, if I were you, I should withdraw from the house at once. I certainly would not have my case blown upon.'

'Mr. Mason, sir, will do as he pleases about that. As long as the business with which he honours us is straightforward, we will do it for him, as for an old client, although it is not exactly in our own line. But we can only do it in accordance with our own judgment. I will proceed to explain what I now propose to do. The woman Bolster is in the next room, and I, with the assistance of my head clerk, will take down the headings of what evidence she can give.'

'In our presence, sir,' said Mr. Dockwrath; 'or if Mr. Mason should decline, at any rate in mine.'

'By no means, Mr. Dockwrath,' said Round.

'I think Mr. Dockwrath should hear her story,' said Mr. Mason.

'He certainly will not do so in this house or in conjunction with me. In what capacity should he be present, Mr. Mason?'

'As one of Mr. Mason's legal advisers,' said Dockwrath.

'If you are to be one of them, Messrs. Round and Crook cannot be the others. I think I explained that to you before. It now remains for Mr. Mason to say whether he wishes to employ our firm in this matter or not. And I can tell him fairly,' Mr. Round added this after a slight pause, 'that we shall be rather pleased than otherwise if he will put the case into other hands.'