ed to the brandy-bottle, which
seemed to bear the same relation to him that the oracle of Delphi did to
the ancient Greeks.

"You do not think me capable of _inventing_ such a story, I trust," said
De Guy, seriously.

"Ha! ha! ha! you have joined the church, haven't you, since we met
last?"

"I see, sir, you think, because I assisted you in your plans, that I
have no honor, no conscience, no humanity. Why, sir, what I have done
for you was only a duty which my religion demanded of me."

"Your creed must be an original one!" replied Jaspar, with a sickly
laugh.

"It _is_ an original one. You thought yourself better entitled to your
brother's property than this giddy girl. So did I; and it was my duty to
see justice done. A matter of conscience with me, upon my honor."

"Enough of this!" said Jaspar, sternly, for a joke soon grew stale with
him.

"Be it so; but remember the story is true."

"And you did me the favor to blow up the steamer!" sneered Jaspar.

"At the risk of my own life, I did. I bribed the firemen to crowd on the
steam, and the engineers to keep down the safety-valve,--all under the
excitement of a race, though with special reference to your interest."

"Was this part of your creed, too?"

"Certainly," and the attorney launched out into a dissertation of
theology and kindred topics, with which we will not trouble the reader.

Jaspar heard it not, for he was busy in considerations of a less
metaphysical character. He was thinking of his present position, and of
the overseer, whose step he heard on the veranda.

"I see," said he, interrupting De Guy, "you have been my friend."

This remark was the result of his deliberations. He might need the
services of the attorney.

"I expect my overseer on business in a moment," continued he, "and I
should like to see you again, after he has gone. May I trouble you to
step into this room for a few moments?"

"Certainly," replied De Guy, who was congratulating himself on his
success in conciliating the "bear of Bellevue," as he styled him among
his boon companions.

Jaspar closed the door upon the attorney, and was in the act of lighting
a cigar, when Dalhousie entered. The overseer endeavored to discover in
the countenance of his employer some indications of his motive in
sending for him; but Jaspar maintained a perfect indifference, which
defeated his object, Neither spoke for several moments; but at last the
overseer, embarrassed by the silence,