ind everything mean and
third-rate. The wine execrable. So I thought I would come and bestow my
tediousness on you. 'Tis hardly fair."

"You could not have pleased me better. I was, rather from distraction
than from exigency, throwing some thoughts on paper. But the voice of
yesterday still lingers in my ear."

"What a spectacle!"

"Yes; you see what a multitude presents who have recognised the
predominance of Moral Power," said Morley. "The spectacle was august;
but the results to which such a public mind must lead are sublime."

"It must have been deeply gratifying to our friend," said Hatton.

"It will support him in his career," said Morley.

"And console him in his prison," added Hatton.

"You think that it will come to that?" said Morley inquiringly.

"It has that aspect; but appearances change."

"What should change them?"

"Time and accident, which change everything."

"Time will bring the York Assizes," said Morley musingly; "and as for
accident I confess the future seems to me dreary. What can happen for
Gerard?"

"He might win his writ of right," said Hatton demurely, stretching out
his legs and leaning back in his chair. "That also may be tried at the
York Assizes."

"His writ of right! I thought that was a feint--a mere affair of tactics
to keep the chance of the field."

"I believe the field may be won," said Hatton very composedly.

"Won!"

"Ay! the castle and manor of Mowbray and half the lordships round,
to say nothing of this good town. The people are prepared to be his
subjects; he must give up equality and be content with being a popular
sovereign."

"You jest my friend."

"Then I speak truth in jest; sometimes, you know, the case."

"What mean you?" said Morley rising and approaching Hatton; "for though
I have often observed you like a biting phrase, you never speak idly.
Tell me what you mean."

"I mean," said Hatton, looking Morley earnestly in the face and speaking
with great gravity, "that the documents are in existence which prove
the title of Walter Gerard to the proprietorship of this great district;
that I know where the documents are to be found; and that it requires
nothing but a resolution equal to the occasion to secure them."

"Should that be wanting?" said Morley.

"I should think not," said Hatton. "It would belie our nature to believe
so."

"And where are these documents?"

"In the muniment room of Mowbray castle."

"Hah!" exclaimed Morley in a prolo