In truth, Mr.
Samuel Hart never allows himself to know anything,--except the amount of
money which he may have at his banker's. And it will be difficult to
convince Mr. Tyrrwhit. Mr. Tyrrwhit is assured that all of us,--you and
I, and Mountjoy and Augustus,--are in a conspiracy to cheat him and the
others."

"I don't wonder at it," said Mr. Grey.

"Perhaps not," continued the squire; "the circumstances, no doubt, are
suspicious. But he will have to find out his mistake. Augustus is very
anxious to pay these poor men their money. It is a noble feeling on the
part of Augustus; you must admit that, Mr. Grey." The irony with which
this was said was evident in the squire's face and voice. Augustus only
quietly laughed. The attorney sat as firm as death. He was not going to
argue with such a statement or to laugh at such a joke. "I suppose it
will come to over a hundred thousand pounds."

"Eighty thousand, I should think," said Augustus. "The bonds amount to a
great deal more than that--twice that."

"It is for him to judge," said the squire, "whether he is bound by his
honor to pay so large a sum to men whom I do not suppose he loves very
well."

"The estate can bear it," said Augustus.

"Yes, the estate can bear it," said the attorney. "They should be paid
what they have expended. That is my idea. Your son thinks that their
silence will be worth the money."

"What makes you say that?" demanded Augustus.

"Just my own opinion."

"I look upon it as an insult."

"Would you be kind enough to explain to us what is your reason for
wishing to do this thing?" asked Mr. Grey.

"No, sir; I decline to give any reason. But those which you ascribe to
me are insulting."

"Will you deny them?"

"I will not assent to anything,--coming from you,--nor will I deny
anything. It is altogether out of your place as an attorney to ascribe
motives to your clients. Can you raise the money, so that it shall be
forthcoming at once? That is the question."

"On your father's authority, backed by your signature, I imagine that I
can do so. But I will not answer as a certainty. The best thing would be
to sell a portion of the property. If you and your father will join, and
Mountjoy also with you, it may be done."

"What has Mountjoy got to do with it?" asked the father.

"You had better have Mountjoy also. There may be some doubt as to the
title. People will think so after the tricks that have been played."
This was said by the lawy