ully discussed, Fitz brought up the matter of Mr. Checkynshaw's child,
and all the facts which had been developed were fully stated to him.

Fitz found a warm supporter of his views in his father, who declared
that the quitclaim deed was not valid, because he had not joined her in
making it. Within three days proceedings in equity were commenced
against Mr. Checkynshaw.

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE GOLD LOCKET.

Mr. Checkynshaw was astonished and disgusted at the conduct of the
Wittleworths. The block of stores did not appear even yet to be
securely in his possession. It was true he had the quitclaim deed of
the contingent heir, but this did not seem to be of much value under
the circumstances. Mr. Wittleworth, senior, had again appeared upon the
stage. He had not before considered him in making his calculations; for
he was a miserable sot, before whom, and at no great distance from him,
yawned the drunkard's grave.

John Wittleworth, in his right mind, was an able man, and his
reappearance explained the decided action of the family. He had joined
the temperance society, and he was now a stumbling-block in the path of
the banker.

Mr. Checkynshaw was indignant. He had paid ten thousand dollars for
that quitclaim deed, or rather he had given it in charity; and this
money was to pay the expenses of the suit brought against him!

He went to see Mrs. Wittleworth, and only hoped that he should not see
John or his son. Unfortunately, Fitz was at home. Fitz was airy, Fitz
was grand, Fitz was magnificent. His views and opinions had come to be
appreciated; they had risen where the froth on the beer rises, to the
top of the mug. To use his mother's homely but expressive saying, "you
couldn't touch Fitz with a ten-foot pole."

"Ellen," said Mr. Checkynshaw, solemnly, "it _did_ seem to me that I
had done my whole duty to you, when, three months ago, I placed you out
of the reach of want for the rest of your lifetime. I confess my grief
and surprise, after what I have done for you, that this suit should be
brought against me."

"If the matter had been left to me, the suit would not have been
brought against you," replied Mrs. Wittleworth, who was really much
confused and abashed at the reproaches of the great man.

"But, Ellen, I must hold you responsible for it. If you had not
consented, it could not have commenced. It is done in your name."

"Hold me responsible, Mr. Checkynshaw," interposed Fitz, placing
himself bef