ter into no
negotiation on the subject without consulting those who have employed
me, and getting their consent--write down, then, on a sheet of paper,
what you propose to do for us, and the compensation which you expect to
receive for any documents you may supply us with that we may consider of
value, and I shall submit it for consideration."

"May I not compromise myself by putting it on paper, though?"

"If you think so, then, don't do it; but, for my part, I shall have
no further concern in the matter. Verbal communications are of little
consequence in an affair of this kind. Reduce it to writing, and it can
be understood; it will, besides, prevent misconceptions in future."

"I trust you are a man of honor?" said Norton.

"I make no pretensions to anything so high," replied Birney; "but I
trust I am an honest man, and know how to act when I have an honest man
to deal with. If you wish to serve our cause, or, to be plain with you,
wish to turn the documents you speak of to the best advantage, make your
proposal in writing, as you ought to do, otherwise I must decline any
further negotiation on the subject."

Norton saw and felt that there was nothing else for it. He accordingly
took pen and ink and wrote down his proposal--offering to place the
documents alluded to, which were mentioned by name, in the hands of Mr.
Birney, for the sum of five thousand pounds."

"Now, sir," said Birney, after looking over this treacherous
proposition, "you see yourself the advantage of putting matters down
in black and white. The production of this will save me both time and
trouble, and, besides, it can be understood at a glance. Thank you, sir.
Have the goodness to favor me with a call in a day or two, and we shall
see what can be done."

"This," said Norton, as he was about to go, "is a point of honor between
us."

"Why, I think, at all events, it ought," replied Bimey; "at least, so
far as I am concerned, it is not my intention to act dishonorably by any
honest man."

"Haw--haw! Very well said, indeed; I 'ave a good opinion of your
discretion.

"Well, sir, I wish you good morneen; I shall call in a day or two, and
expect to 'ave a satisfactory answer."

"What a scoundrel!" exclaimed Birney.

"Here's a fellow, now, who has been fleecing that unfortunate sheep of
a nobleman for the last four years, and now that he finds him at the
length of his tether, he is ready to betray and sacrifice him, like a
double-distilled