supposing that it was his letter. I really don't know that I can say
anything more.'

'Only that we are to a certain degree in the same boat together in
this matter.'

'I won't admit even that, Mr Squercum.'

'The difference being that your client by his fault has jeopardised
his own interests and those of my client, while my client has not been
in fault at all. I shall bring the matter forward before the Lord
Mayor to-morrow, and as at present advised shall ask for an
investigation with reference to a charge of fraud. I presume you will
be served with a subpoena to bring the letter into court.'

'If so you may be sure that we shall produce it.' Then Mr Squercum
took his leave and went straight away to Mr Bumby, a barrister well
known in the City. The game was too powerful to be hunted down by Mr
Squercum's unassisted hands. He had already seen Mr Bumby on the
matter more than once. Mr Bumby was inclined to doubt whether it might
not be better to get the money, or some guarantee for the money. Mr
Bumby thought that if a bill at three months could be had for Dolly's
share of the property it might be expedient to take it. Mr Squercum
suggested that the property itself might be recovered, no genuine sale
having been made. Mr Bumby shook his head. 'Title-deeds give
possession, Mr Squercum. You don't suppose that the company which has
lent money to Melmotte on the title-deeds would have to lose it. Take
the bill; and if it is dishonoured run your chance of what you'll get
out of the property. There must be assets.'

'Every rap will have been made over,' said Mr Squercum.

This took place on the Monday, the day on which Melmotte had offered
his full confidence to his proposed son-in-law. On the following
Wednesday three gentlemen met together in the study in the house in
Bruton Street from which it was supposed that the letter had been
abstracted. There were Mr Longestaffe, the father, Dolly Longestaffe,
and Mr Bideawhile. The house was still in Melmotte's possession, and
Melmotte and Mr Longestaffe were no longer on friendly terms. Direct
application for permission to have this meeting in this place had been
formally made to Mr Melmotte, and he had complied. The meeting took
place at eleven o'clock--a terribly early hour. Dolly had at first
hesitated as to placing himself as he thought between the fire of two
enemies, and Mr Squercum had told him that as the matter would
probably soon be made public, he could not ju