ke my life upon
his innocence. I should long ago have moved in this matter, hit or miss,
could I have lighted upon Thorn, but he was not to be found, neither any
clue to him, and we now know that this name, Thorn, was an assumed one."

"Is he to be found?"

"He is found. He is at West Lynne. Mark you, I don't accuse him--I do
not offer an opinion upon his guilt--I only state my belief in Richard's
innocence; it may have been another who did it, neither Richard nor
Thorn. It was my firm intention to take Richard's case up, the instant I
saw my way clearly in it, and now that that time has come I am debarred
from doing so."

"What debars you?"

"Hence I come to you," continued Mr. Carlyle, disregarding the question.
"I come on the part of Richard Hare. I have seen him lately, and
conversed with him. I gave him my reasons for not personally acting,
advised him to apply to you, and promised to come here and open the
matter. Will you see Richard in good faith, and hear his story, giving
the understanding that he shall depart unmolested, as he came, although
you do not decide to entertain the business?"

"I'll give it with all the pleasure in life," freely returned the
attorney. "I'm sure I don't want to harm poor Dick Hare, and if he can
convince me of his innocence, I'll do my best to establish it."

"Of his own tale you must be the judge. I do not wish to bias you. I
have stated my belief in his innocence, but I repeat that I give no
opinion myself as to who else may be guilty. Hear his account, and then
take up the affair or not, as you may think fit. He would not come
to you without your previous promise to hold him harmless; to be his
friend, in short, for the time being. When I bear this promise to him
for you, my part is done."

"I give it to you in all honor, Carlyle. Tell Dick he has nothing to
fear from me. Quite the contrary; for if I can befriend him, I shall
be glad to do it, and I won't spare trouble. What can possibly be your
objection to act for him?"

"My objection applies not to Richard. I would willingly appear for him,
but I will not take proceedings against the man he accuses. If that man
is to be denounced and brought before justice, I will hold neither act
nor part in it."

The words aroused the curiosity of Lawyer Ball, and he began to turn
over all persons, likely and unlikely, in his mind, never, according
to usage, giving a suspicion to the right one. "I cannot fathom you,
Carlyle."