could be made responsible in a Civil Court for
that sum.'

'Exactly, sir. The case being established, the firm would be responsible
for every penny.'

'And for how large a share,' the General asked, 'am I personally
responsible?'

'Each member of the firm,' Jervase answered, 'is responsible in his own
person for the whole amount. There's no limitation of liability.'

The conversation was marked by less excitement than it had been on the
one side, and by a more business-like manner on the other.

'You needn't fear, sir,' said Jervase. 'James and I are good to meet the
whole of the obligations, and, apart from that, these fellows who are
being brought up against us are the very scum of the earth. I don't
suppose that any Court of Law would listen to them.'

'No?' asked the General, with sudden keenness. 'And why are they the
very scum of the earth? You don't know the men?'

Jervase was visibly disconcerted. He stammered as he answered:

'Why, what else but the scum of the earth can they be, to have trumped
up a lying case like this?'

''Mph!' said the General. 'Be that as it may, as a partner in this
concern, I may conceivably be made liable for two hundred thousand
pounds?'

'That's the law, sir.'

'That being so, I must take this business into my own hands. Until I
am legally advised to a contrary action I shall take no step without
informing you of it. But the thing is too serious to be neglected, and
I have little liking for your way of meeting it, Jervase, though I like
your cousin's less.'

After this declaration, there was silence for the space of a full
minute, and then James came back, his slight figure absurdly costumed in
his cousin's clothes, which were too long for him in the arm, too short
in the leg, and too full everywhere.

'Your cousin and I, Mr. Jervoyce,' said the General, 'have arrived at a
partial understanding, and I must make the position clear as between you
and myself. When did you first hear of this accusation?'

'To-day,' said James. 'Never a word until to-day.'

'When did you hear of this man Light-foot, late of Melbourne, and now in
England?' James cast a piteously beseeching eye towards Jervase, and
the General held out a hand towards the latter as if to interdict the
speaking of a word. He repeated his question. 'When did you first hear
of the man Lightfoot, late of Melbourne? Now, come, sir,' the General
cried, in a voice of command, 'you are here to answer that question