ffort; but he tore their
arguments into ribands, and set off their authorities with an
overwhelming array of decisions directly in the teeth of those they
introduced bearing upon their side of the question. It was wonderful to
observe his perfect familiarity with the whole matter in dispute, the
law bearing upon it, and the decisions of courts in this country and
England, that could in any way throw light upon it, far outstripping
the learned advocates on both sides, who had been at work upon the case
for five years.

During the time this brilliant champion was fighting his battle for him
in the last defensible position he could ever obtain, Mr. Tomlinson
remained as if fixed to the spot where he was sitting, yet with his
mind entirely active. He saw, he felt that there was hope for him; that
this heaven-sent advocate, whoever he was, would save him from ruin. At
last the case closed, and the court announced that its decision would
be given in the morning.

"Who is he?" Mr. Tomlinson heard some one ask of his persecutor, as the
young man closed his last and most brilliant effort.

With an imprecation uttered between his teeth, he replied, "One that
refused to take my side, although I offered him a fee of five thousand
dollars if successful."

"What is his name?"

"Denton."

"Pity you couldn't have secured him."

Mr. Tomlinson heard no more. He turned his eyes upon the young man he
had three times rudely repulsed, but he could not see his face; he was
bending over and arranging some papers. The announcement of the court,
in regard to the time when a decision was to be made, drew his
attention from him. When he again sought the young attorney, he was
gone.

Nearly a week of most distressing suspense was suffered by Edith. Every
day she heard from her father, but all was doubt and despondency, until
there came a letter announcing the sudden appearance of a volunteer
advocate, who had changed the whole aspect of affairs, and created the
most lively hopes of success. Who he was, the letter did not say.

During the morning that succeeded the one on which this letter was
received, Edith wandered about the house like a restless spirit. The
decision had been made on the day previous, and in a few hours her
father would be home. What intelligence would he bring? Whenever she
asked herself that question, her heart trembled. Twenty times had she
been to the highest windows in the house to look far away where the
road w