Part 84 (1/2)
”Yes; clearly.”
”Well, I have neither wife nor children. I need not care; but suppose I make my will now; that's a good will, ain't it, between this and judgment, if things should go wrong?”
”Certainly,” said Mr. Blinkinsop. ”No judgment no forfeiture.”
”And now, Doctor, don't be afraid; tell me truly, shall I _do_?” said Mr. Longcluse, leaning back, and looking darkly and steadily in his face.
”It is a nasty case.”
”Don't be afraid, I say. I should like to know, are the chances two to one against me?”
”I'm afraid they are.”
”Ten to one? Pray say what you think.”
”Well, I think so.”
Mr. Longcluse grew paler. They were all three silent. After about a minute, he said, in a very low tone,--
”You don't think I have a chance? Don't mislead me.”
”It is very gloomy.”
Mr. Longcluse pressed his hand to his mouth. There was a silence.
Perhaps he wished to hide some nervous movement there. He stood up, walked about a little, and then stood by Mr. Blinkinsop's chair, with his fingers on the back of it.
”We must make a great fight of this,” said Mr. Longcluse suddenly.
”We'll fight it hard; we must win it. We _shall_ win it, by----”
And after a short pause, he added gently,--
”That will do. I think I'll rest now; more, perhaps, another time.
Good-bye.”
As they left the room, he signed to the attorney to stay.
”I have something for you--a word or two.”
The attorney turned back, and they remained closeted for a time.
CHAPTER Lx.x.xVII.
CONCLUSION.
Sir Richard Arden had learned how matters were with Mr. Longcluse. He hesitated. Flight might provoke action of the kind for which there seemed no longer a motive.
In an agony of dubitation, as the day wore on, he was interrupted. Mr.