fession of a waterman; but if I did not hear him
with so much impatience as before, nor use so many arguments against it,
I did not accede to his wishes, and the subject was dropped. Mr
Turnbull was satisfied that my resistance was weakened, and hoped in
time to have the effect that he desired. When I went home Mary told me
that Tom Beazeley had been there, that his wherry was building, that his
father had given up the lighter, and was now on shore very busy in
getting up his board to attract customers, and obtain work in his new
occupation.

I had not launched my wherry the next morning when down came the young
gentleman to whom I had despatched the letter. "Faithful," said he,
"come to the tavern with me; I must have some conversation with you." I
followed him, and as soon as we were in a room, he said, "First, let me
pay my debt, for I owe you much;" and he laid five guineas on the table.
"I find from Cecilia that you have possession of the tin case of deeds
which has been so eagerly sought after by both parties. Why did you not
say so? And why did you not tell me that it was you whom I hired on the
night when I was so unfortunate?"

"I considered the secret as belonging to the young lady, and having told
her, I left it to her discretion to make you acquainted or not as she
pleased."

"It was thoughtful and prudent of you, at all events, although there was
no occasion for it. Nevertheless, I am pleased that you did so, as it
proves you to be trustworthy. Now, tell me, who is the gentleman who
was with you in the boat, and who has charge of the box? Observe,
Faithful, I do not intend to demand it. I shall tell him the facts of
the case in your presence, and then leave him to decide whether he will
surrender up the papers to the other party or to me. Can you take me
there now?"

"Yes, sir," replied I, "I can, if you please; I will pull you up in half
an hour. The house is at the river's side."

The young gentleman leaped into my wherry, and we were soon in the
parlour of Mr Turnbull. I will not repeat the conversation in detail,
but give an outline of the young man's story.

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX.

A LONG STORY, WHICH ENDS IN THE OPENING OF THE TIN BOX, WHICH PROVES TO
CONTAIN DEEDS MUCH MORE SATISFACTORY TO MR. WHARNCLIFFE THAN THE DEEDS
OF HIS UNCLE--BEGIN TO FEEL THE BLESSINGS OF INDEPENDENCE, AND SUSPECT
THAT I HAVE ACTED LIKE A FOOL--AFTER TWO YEARS' CONSIDERATION, I BECOME
QUITE SURE OF IT,