ty, and only through fraud
is it now in your hands. Of course we can easily wrest it from you, and
must do so if you defy me. It rests with you to take that risk. But I
prefer to cut things short. I pledge myself to two things--first, to
leave the document in your possession; and next, to offer fair and even
handsome terms when you have met me thus fairly. Why should you object?
For we know all about it. Never mind how."

Those last three words decided the issue. Even worse than the fear of
breach of trust was the fear of treason in the office, and the lawyer's
only chance of getting clew to that was to keep on terms with this Sir
Duncan Yordas. There had been no treason whatever in the office; neither
had anything come out through the proctorial firm in York, or Sir Walter
Carnaby's solicitors; but a note among longheaded Duncombe's papers had
got into the hands of Mordacks. Of that, however, Mr. Jellicorse had no
idea.

"Sir Duncan Yordas, I will meet you as you come," he said, with his
good, fresh-colored face, as honest as the sun when the clouds roll off.
"It is an unusual step on my part, and perhaps irregular. But rather
than destroy the prospect of a friendly compromise, I will strain
a point, and candidly admit that there is an instrument open to an
interpretation which might, or might not, be in your favor."

"That I knew long ago, and more than that. My demand is--to see it, and
to satisfy myself."

"Under the circumstances, I am half inclined to think that I should
be disposed to allow you that privilege if the document were in my
possession."

"Now, Mr. Jellicorse," Sir Duncan answered, showing his temper in his
eyes alone, "how much longer will you trifle with me? Where is that
deed?"

Mr. Jellicorse drew forth his watch, took off his spectacles, and dusted
them carefully with a soft yellow handkerchief; then restored them to
their double sphere of usefulness, and perused, with some diligence, the
time of day. By the law which compels a man to sneeze when another man
sets the example, Sir Duncan also drew forth his watch.

"I am trying to make my reply as accurate," said the lawyer, beginning
to enjoy the position as a man, though not quite as a lawyer--"as
accurate as your candor and confidence really deserve, Sir Duncan. The
box containing that document, to which you attach so much importance
(whether duly or otherwise is not for me to say until counsel's opinion
has been taken on our side), con