the mere thought
of which must have flattered it. However, it was none the worse for
a little disaster of this kind. At the call of duty it coalesced with
interest and fine sense of law, and the contact of these must have
strengthened it to face any future production.

For the moment he laid it aside in a drawer--and the smallest he
possessed would hold it--and being compelled to explain his instructions
(partly in short-hand and partly in cipher), he kindly, and for the main
of it truly, interpreted them as follows:

"July 31, 1858.--Received directions from M. H. to attend without
fail, at whatever expense, to any matter laid before us by a tall, dark
gentleman bearing his card. M. H. considerably in our debt; but his
father can not last long. Understand what he means, having dealt with
this matter before, and managed well with it.

"August 2.--Said gentleman called, gave no name, and was very close.
Had experienced some great wrong. Said that he was true heir to the C.
estates now held by Lord C. Only required a little further evidence to
claim them; and some of this was to be got through us. Important
papers must be among the effects of the old lord's son, lately dead in
California, the same for whom a reward had been offered, and we had been
employed about it. Must get possession of those papers, and of the girl,
if possible. Yankees to be bribed, at whatever figure, and always stand
out for a high one. Asked where funds were to come from; gave good
reference, and verified it. To be debited to the account of M. H.
Said we would have nothing to do with it without more knowledge of our
principal. Replied, with anger, that he himself was Lord C., ousted by
usurpers. Had not the necessary proofs as yet, but would get them, and
blast all his enemies. Had doubts about his sanity, and still greater
about his solvency. Resolved to inquire into both points.

"August 3.--M. H. himself, as cool as ever, but shammed to be indignant.
Said we were fools if we did not take it up. Not a farthing would he pay
of his old account, and fellows like us could not bring actions. Also a
hatful of money was to be made of this job, managed snugly. Emigrants to
California were the easiest of all things to square up. A whole train
of them disappeared this very year, by Indians or Mormons, and no bones
made. The best and most active of us must go--too ticklish for an agent.
We must carry on all above-board out there, and as if sent by Brit