lly, Mr. Hill, I don't think you ought to refer to your confidential
relations with your principal,' said Hiram, gravely. He knew, cunning
fellow, it would only be adding fuel to the fire.

'You be----,' said Hill. 'I tell you what it is, Innis: here's a sell.
I'm fairly come over. He is on Joslin's track--I know it, and I'll own
up.' He thereupon proceeded to give a general account of Joslin, and how
he did business, and what a cowardly, lying knave he was.

Innis laughed. Hiram was quiet, but he did not miss a word. The little
supper was finished, and the trio rose to depart.

'I had no idea it was so late,' said Innis.

'Have you far to go?' said Hiram.

'Yes, to Chelsea; and the omnibuses have stopped.'

'Come and stay with me: I have a very nice room.'

Innis saw Hiram was in earnest, and after a little hesitation he
assented. Hill bid them good night, and hiccoughed off toward his own
quarters; and Hiram with Innis went to the Franklin House.

When these young men reached their room, they did not go to bed. They
sat up for an hour or two. What this conference led to we shall see
by-and-by.

CHAPTER XII.

Hiram rose early, notwithstanding the late hours of the previous night.
Innis breakfasted with him and then took his departure. On going to the
post office, Hiram found a letter from Mr. Burns, enclosing a full power
of attorney, as he had requested. He then went to H. Bennett & Co.,
where he took up at least an hour of that gentleman's time, apparently
quite to that gentleman's satisfaction. Thence Hiram proceeded to the
office of a well-known counsellor at law, who had been recommended to
him by Mr. Bennett.

The day was spent in preparing certain ominous-looking documents. I am
told that on the occasion Hiram exhibited a breadth and clearness of
comprehension which astonished the counsellor, who could not help
suggesting to the young man that he would make an excellent lawyer,
which compliment Hiram received with something very like a sneer. That
evening Hiram went to bed early. He slept well. His plans were
perfected--his troops in order of battle, only waiting for the signal to
be given.

He awoke about sunrise, and rang his bell. A sleepy servant at length
replied to it.

'Bring me a _Clarion_,' said Hiram.

'The papers won't be along, sir, for half an hour.'

'Well, let me have one the moment they come. Here's a quarter; bring a
_Clarion_ quick, and I shall ask no change.'

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