afe for him."

"You had agreed to that."

"But what are the terms to be?--that is the question. I made my
offer:--half and half. Nothing fairer can be imagined,--unless, indeed, I
choose to stand out for the whole property."

"But what does your brother say?"

He could not use his friend even as a messenger without telling him
something of the truth. "When I think of it, of this injustice, I can
hardly hold myself. He proposes to give me twenty-five thousand pounds."

"Twenty-five thousand pounds!--for everything?"

"Everything; yes. What the devil do you suppose I mean? Now just listen
to me." Then he told his tale as he thought that it ought to be told. He
recapitulated all the money he had spent on his brother's behalf, and
all that he chose to say that he had spent. He painted in glowing colors
the position in which he would have been put by the Nice marriage. He
was both angry and pathetic about the creditors. And he tore his hair
almost with vexation at the treatment to which he was subjected.

"I think I'd take the twenty-five thousand pounds," said Jones.

"Never! I'd rather starve first!"

"That's about what you'll have to do if all that you tell me is true."
There was again that tone of disappearing subjection. "I'll be shot if I
wouldn't take the money." Then there was a pause. "Couldn't you do that
and go to law with him afterward? That was what your father would have
done." Yes; but Augustus had to acknowledge that he was not as clever as
his father.

At last he gave Jones a commission. Jones was to see his brother and to
explain to him that, before any question could be raised as to the
amount to be paid under the compromise, a sum of ten thousand pounds
must be handed to Augustus to reimburse him for money out of pocket.
Then Jones was to say, as out of his own head, that he thought that
Augustus might probably accept fifty thousand pounds in lieu of
twenty-five thousand pounds. That would still leave the bulk of the
property to Mountjoy, although Mountjoy must be aware of the great
difficulties which would be thrown in his way by his father's conduct.
But Jones had to come back the next day with an intimation that Mountjoy
had again gone abroad, leaving full authority with Mr. Barry.

Jones was sent to Mr. Barry, but without effect. Mr. Barry would discuss
the matter with the lawyer, or, if Augustus was so pleased, with
himself; but he was sure that no good would be done by any conversation