HKB
rot and starve, while you keep secret from him, at his wife's request, his title to an income, and that the Court of Chancery will back you in this iniquity?"
I kept repeating the word "starve," because I saw it made my respectable opponent wince. "Well, then, just listen to me: I know that in the happy state of our equity law, Chancery can't help my client; but I have another plan--I shall go hence to my office, issue a writ, and take your client's husband in execution--as soon as he is lodged in jail, I shall file his schedule in the Insolvent Court, and when he comes up for his discharge, I shall put you in the witness-box, and examine you on oath, 'touching any property of which you know the insolvent to be possessed,' and where will be your privileged communications then?"
The respectable Leasem's face lengthened in a twinkling, his comfortable confident air vanished, he ceased twiddling his gold chain, and at length he muttered, "Suppose we pay the debt?"
"Why, then, I'll arrest him the day after for another."
"But, my dear Mr. Discount, surely such conduct would not be quite respectable?"
"That's my business; my client has been wronged, I am determined to right him, and when the aristocratic firm of Leasem and Fashun takes refuge according to the custom of respectable repudiators, in the cool arbors of the Court of Chancery, why, a mere bill-discounting attorney like David Discount, need not hesitate about cutting a bludgeon out of the Insolvent Court."
"Well, well, Mr. D., you are so warm--so fiery; we must deliberate, we must consult. You will give me until the day after to-morrow, and then we'll write you our final determination; in the meantime, send us a copy of your authority to act for Mr. Molinos Fitz-Roy."
Of course I lost no time in getting the gentleman beggar to sign a proper letter.
On the appointed day came a communication with the L. and F. seal, which I opened, not without unprofessional eagerness. It was as follows:--
"In re Molinos Fitz-Roy and Another.
"Sir,--In answer to your application on behalf of Mr. Molinos Fitz-Roy, we beg to inform you that, under the administration of a paternal aunt who died intestate, your client is entitled to two thousand five hundred pounds eight shillings and sixpence, Three per Cents.; one thousand five hundred pounds nineteen shillings and fourpence, Three per Cents., Reduced; one thousand pounds, Long Annuities; five hundred pounds, Bank Stock; three thousand five hundred pounds, India Stock, besides other securities, making up about ten thousand pounds, which we are prepared to transfer over to Mr. Molinos Fitz-Roy's direction forthwith."
Here was a windfall! It quite took away my breath.
At dusk came my gentleman beggar, and what puzzled me was how to break the news to him. Being very much overwhelmed with business that day, I had not much time for consideration. He came in rather better dressed than when I first saw him, with only a week's beard on his chin; but, as usual, not quite sober. Six weeks had elapsed since our first interview. He was still the humble, trembling, low-voiced creature, I first knew him.
After a prelude, I said, "I find, Mr. F., you are entitled to something; pray, what do you mean to give me in addition to my bill, for obtaining it?" He answered rapidly, "Oh, take half; if there is one hundred pounds, take half--if there is five hundred pounds, take half."
"No, no; Mr. F., I don't do business in that way, I shall be satisfied with ten per cent."
It was so settled. I then led him out into the street, impelled to tell him the news, yet dreading the effect; not daring to make the revelation in my office, for fear of a scene.
I began hesitatingly, "Mr. Fitz-Roy, I am happy to say that I find you are entitled to ... ten thousand pounds!"