'It's simply a readjustment,' Michael explained. 'I take up Uncle

Joseph's liabilities; and if he gets the tontine, it's to be mine; if

my father gets it, it's mine anyway, you see. So that I'm rather

advantageously placed.'

'Morris, my unconverted friend, you've got left,' was John's comment.

'And now, Mr Forsyth,' resumed Michael, turning to his silent guest,

'here are all the criminals before you, except Pitman. I really didn't

like to interrupt his scholastic career; but you can have him arrested

at the seminary--I know his hours. Here we are then; we're not pretty to

look at: what do you propose to do with us?'

'Nothing in the world, Mr Finsbury,' returned Gideon. 'I seem to

understand that this gentleman'---indicating Morris--'is the fons et

origo of the trouble; and, from what I gather, he has already paid

through the nose. And really, to be quite frank, I do not see who is to

gain by any scandal; not me, at least. And besides, I have to thank you

for that brief.'

Michael blushed. 'It was the least I could do to let you have some

business,' he said. 'But there's one thing more. I don't want you to

misjudge poor Pitman, who is the most harmless being upon earth. I

wish you would dine with me tonight, and see the creature on his native

heath--say at Verrey's?'

'I have no engagement, Mr Finsbury,' replied Gideon. 'I shall be

delighted. But subject to your judgement, can we do nothing for the man

in the cart? I have qualms of conscience.'

'Nothing but sympathize,' said Michael.

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