es and friends, and congratulated upon his return
to the scenes where they had, in company with him, enjoyed many a lark;
and invitations came in as fast upon nim as the moments of life were
fleeting away: for the present, however, all engagements were
declined, till the principal object of his journey to London should be
accomplished; and after inquiries about old friends, and observations
upon the passing occurrences of the moment were over, they proceeded on
their way. Westminster Bridge was the precise line of direction for them
to pursue, and as fortune would have it, they had scarcely arrived at
the foot of it, before they discovered Merrywell bustling along in
an opposite direction: he, however, appeared rather inclined to pass
without recognition or acknowledgment, when Sparkle turning close upon
him, gave him a hearty tap on the shoulder, which made him as it were
involuntarily turn his head.

"Well met," said Sparkle, "I want you."

"At whose suit. Sir?" was the immediate inquiry.

"To suit yourself," was a reply as quickly given.

"Zounds!" said Merrywell, "I had little idea of being tapped on the
shoulder by an old friend--but are you indeed in earnest?"

"Certainly I am, and can't be refused; but if you should be pinched
for bail, I think I have two friends with me who will do the needful;"
introducing Tom and Bob.

"I see how it is," continued Merrywell, "and have no objection to a
joke; but I can't bear to have it carried too far.--How d'ye do, how
d'ye do--can't stop--in a devil of a hurry--full of business."

~~258~~~ "Zounds!" said Tom, "you are almost as bad as the man who
having married a wife could not come; but if I may be so bold, whither
away so fast?"

"To Westminster Hall--the sessions is on--must go--law is like the tide,
it stays for none--adieu."

"We cannot part thus," said Sparkle, "I have come some miles in search
of you, and cannot afford to be played with now."

"Then accompany me to Westminster Hall, and I will be at your service."

"If not," replied Sparkle, "I shall enter a special detainer against
you--so come along."

They now entered Westminster Hall, where Merry well having disposed of
some briefs and other papers into the hands of a counsellor preparatory
to a cause coming on;

"There," continued he, unow I am at your service."

"Then tell me," said Sparkle, "what you are at."

"First," inquired Merry well, "let me know what is your object in asking
such a que