othing by going to law with him. We haven't money
enough to keep us out of the almshouse more than a fortnight longer."

"But don't I say we need no money to carry on the suit? All we have to
do is to attach the property. Checkynshaw won't stand trial. He'll
settle it; he'll give up the block of stores."

"You don't know him," sighed Mrs. Wittleworth.

"If I don't know him, I'd like to know who does. Haven't I been in the
office with him for years? Choate couldn't attend to this business
himself; but he recommended a lawyer, a friend of his, and I have been
to see him. I am to call again to-morrow."

"I am willing to hear all that can be said, Fitz, on both sides,"
replied the poor woman, tired of the controversy, but still believing
that "a bird in the hand was worth two in the bush." "I will go with
you, and hear what your lawyer has to say."

"Go with me!" sneered Fitz. "Do you think I can't do the business
alone?"

"You don't know as much as you think you do, Fitz."

"Perhaps I don't; but if I don't understand this case, then nobody
does."

Mrs. Wittleworth was disgusted, and Fitz was disgusted; and both were
silent, rather because there was no prospect of making any progress in
the business than because either was satisfied. Fitz had been to see
the attorney recommended by the distinguished orator--a young fellow,
whose practice was mostly confined to the police court, and who was so
weak and silly as to be an object of ridicule to his professional
brethren. This gentleman was willing to look into the case. He went to
the registry of probate, and read the will. So far Fitz was justified.
The next morning the lawyer called on Mr. Checkynshaw. It was very
unprofessional, but it was very prudent. He did not wish to annoy a
gentleman in his position if there were no just grounds for a suit.

The banker was much obliged to him for calling. The banker was
plausible, and the banker finally gave him a retaining fee of fifty
dollars to act for the defence, in case a suit was brought against him.
He had discharged Fitz for impudence, and he was merely seeking some
way to annoy him. The lawyer was satisfied, and so was the banker.

In the course of the forenoon, Fitz, attended by his mother, called
upon the attorney. He had looked into the case; he was satisfied there
was no ground for an action, and he declined to undertake the suit.
Fitz was confounded by this reply.

"I hope you are satisfied now, Fitz," said