cate himself. The
frantic horse swam with him to the opposite shore, dragging the poor
wretch after it, and before the opposite bank was reached, his head was
so shattered that it was impossible to recognize his features. It is now
a week since they buried him in the family vault at Hidvar. Poor
Henrietta! So young to be left a widow! And to have lost so handsome, so
beloved a husband through so sad a death! Really lamentable!"

"I wonder what the rascal is after now," thought Mr. Sipos.

"My heart really is breaking for her! If only there were not these
unhappy money differences between us. I am not a tiger. My heart is not
made of stone. Perhaps you don't believe me! Let me tell you that I have
half resolved, despite the old gentleman's will, to transfer to my
niece, Henrietta, the Kerekedar property."

"Because its expenses are greater than its revenue, I presume?"

"None of your poor witticisms, sir. I am ready to make any sacrifices to
oblige my relatives. The world misjudges me. They call me greedy and
avaricious; if only they could look into my heart!"

"What you have done hitherto, sir, does not testify to any great regard
for your relatives. For instance, look at the case of my client, young
Coloman--for you know that Vamhidy has instructed me to act for him.
What intrigues, what tricks were employed to fasten upon him the
suspicion of forgery! Nobody knows that better than you, sir. And let me
tell you that although my young client is nothing but a strolling
player, I shall spare no pains to thoroughly vindicate his good name and
you, with all your wealth and property, will be unable to affect the
issue one jot."

Mr. John pondered for a moment. "Look here," said he at last, "let us
pitch the whole confounded suit into the fire. I have a compromise to
propose. I candidly confess I am in a bit of a hole. That bill business
is now before the courts and when it comes on for trial, it will cause a
horrible scandal and people have condemned me beforehand. I only wish I
had never mixed myself up in it."

"Suppose I help you out of the difficulty!"

"In that case you may dictate your own conditions and I will consent to
them beforehand."

"There is only one way to save you. Henrietta must say that the bill is
not forged, but is really signed by her and she must then pay and cancel
it, then every foundation of a charge against you vanishes."

"A sublime idea," cried Mr. John springing from his seat. "And no