e, if you
please--there, at that table--so--let me see--we may as well have the
date. Write 'Bury Street, St. James's, October 21, 18--.'"

And Mr. Morgan wrote as he was instructed, and as the pitiless old Major
continued:--

"'I, James Morgan, having come in extreme poverty into the service of
Arthur Pendennis, Esquire, of Bury Street, St. James's, a Major in her
Majesty's service, acknowledge that I received liberal wages and board
wages from my employer, during fifteen years.'--You can't object to
that, I am sure," said the Major.

"During fifteen years," wrote Morgan.

"'In which time, by my own care and prudence,'" the dictator resumed,
"'I have managed to amass sufficient money to purchase the house in
which my master resides, and, besides, to effect other savings. Amongst
other persons from whom I have had money, I may mention my present
tenant, Mrs. Brixham, who, in consideration of sixty pounds advanced
by me five years since, has paid back to me the sum of two hundred and
fifty pounds sterling, besides giving me a note of hand for one hundred
and twenty pounds, which I restore to her at the desire of my late
master, Major Arthur Pendennis, and therewith free her furniture, of
which I had a bill of sale.'--Have you written?"

"I think if this pistol was loaded, I'd blow your brains out," said
Morgan.

"No, you wouldn't. You have too great a respect for your valuable
life, my good man," the Major answered. "Let us go on and begin a new
sentence.

"'And having, in return for my master's kindness, stolen his property
from him, which I acknowledge to be now upstairs in my trunks; and
having uttered falsehoods regarding his and other honourable families, I
do hereby, in consideration of his clemency to me, express my regret for
uttering these falsehoods, and for stealing his property; and declare
that I am not worthy of belief, and that I hope'--yes, begad--'that I
hope to amend for the future. Signed, James Morgan.'"

"I'm d----d if I sign it," said Morgan.

"My good man, it will happen to you, whether you sign or no, begad,"
said the old fellow, chuckling at his own wit "There, I shall not use
this, you understand, unless--unless I am compelled to do so. Mrs.
Brixham, and our friend the policeman, will witness it, I dare say,
without reading it: and I will give the old lady back her note of hand,
and say, which you will confirm, that she and you are quits. I see
there is Frosch come back with the cab