Part 45 (1/2)

”He ain't 'a taken no money as I've seed, sir. I wish he had, for money's sore wanted here, and if the gen'leman has a mind to be kind-hearted--” Then she intimated her own readiness to take any contribution to the good cause which the Senator might be willing to make at that moment. But the Senator b.u.t.toned up his breeches pockets with stern resolution. Though he still believed Lord Rufford to be altogether wrong, he was beginning to think that the Goarlys were not worthy his benevolence. As she came to the door with them and accompanied them a few yards across the field she again told the tragic tale of her goose;--but the Senator had not another word to say to her.

On that same day Morton drove Mr. Gotobed into Dillsborough and consented to go with him to Mr. Bearside's office. They found the attorney at home, and before anything was said as to payment they heard his account of the action. If Goarly had consented to take any money from Lord Rufford he knew nothing about it. As far as he was aware the action was going on. Ever so many witnesses must be brought from a distance who had seen the crop standing and who would have no bias against the owner,--as would be the case with neighbours, such as Lawrence Twentyman. Of course it was not easy to oppose such a man as Lord Rufford and a little money must be spent. Indeed such, he said, was his interest in the case that he had already gone further than he ought to have done out of his own pocket. Of course they would be successful,--that is if the matter were carried on with spirit, and then the money would all come back again. But just at present a little money must be spent. ”I don't mean to spend it,”

said the Senator.

”I hope you won't stick to that, Mr. Gotobed.”

”But I shall, sir. I understand from your letter that you look to me for funds.”

”Certainly I do, Mr. Gotobed;--because you told me to do so.”

”I told you nothing of the kind, Mr. Bearside.”

”You paid me 15 on account, Mr. Gotobed.”

”I paid you 15 certainly.”

”And told me that more should be coming as it was wanted. Do you think I should have gone on for such a man as Goarly,--a fellow without a s.h.i.+lling,--unless he had some one like you to back him? It isn't likely. Now, Mr. Morton, I appeal to you.”

”I don't suppose that my friend has made himself liable for your bill because he paid you 15 with the view of a.s.sisting Goarly,” said Morton.

”But he said that he meant to go on, Mr. Morton. He said that plain, and I can swear it. Now, Mr. Gotobed, you just say out like an honest man whether you didn't give me to understand that you meant to go on.”

”I never employed you or made myself responsible for your bill.”

”You authorized me, distinctly,--most distinctly, and I shall stick to it. When a gentleman comes to a lawyer's office and pays his money and tells that lawyer as how he means to see the case out,--explaining his reasons as you did when you said all that against the landlords and squires and n.o.bility of this here country,--why then that lawyer has a right to think that that gentleman is his mark.”

”I thought you were employed by Mr. Scrobby,” said Morton, who had heard much of the story by this time.

”Then, Mr. Morton, I must make bold to say that you have heard wrong.

I know nothing of Mr. Scrobby and don't want. There ain't nothing about the poisoning of that fox in this case of ours. Scrobby and Goarly may have done that, or Scrobby and Goarly may be as innocent as two babes unborn for aught I know or care. Excuse me, Mr. Morton, but I have to be on my p's and q's I see. This is a case for trespa.s.s and damage against Lord Rufford in which we ask for 40_s._ an acre.

Of course there is expenses. There's my own time. I ain't to be kept here talking to you two gentlemen for nothing, I suppose. Well; this gentleman comes to me and pays me 15 to go on. I couldn't have gone on without something. The gentleman saw that plain enough. And he told me he'd see me through the rest of it.”

”I said nothing of the kind, sir.”

”Very well. Then we must put it to a jury. May I make bold to ask whether you are going out of the country all at once?”

”I shall be here for the next two months, at least.”

”Happy to hear it, sir, and have no doubt it will all be settled before that time--amiable or otherwise. But as I am money out of pocket I did hope you would have paid me something on account to-day.”

Then Mr. Gotobed made his offer, informing Mr. Bearside that he had brought his friend, Mr. Morton, with him in order that there might be a witness. ”I could see that, sir, with half an eye,” said the attorney unabashed. He was willing to pay Mr. Bearside a further sum of 10 immediately to be quit of the affair, not because he thought that any such sum was due, but because he wished to free himself from further trouble in the matter. Mr. Bearside hinted in a very cavalier way that 20 might be thought of. A further payment of 20 would cover the money he was out of pocket. But this proposition Mr. Gotobed indignantly refused, and then left the office with his friend. ”Wherever there are lawyers there will be rogues,” said the Senator, as soon as he found himself in the street. ”It is a n.o.ble profession, that of the law; the finest perhaps that the work of the world affords; but it gives scope and temptation for roguery. I do not think, however, that you would find anything in America so bad as that.”

”Why did you go to him without asking any questions?”

”Of whom was I to ask questions? When I took up Goarly's case he had already put it into this man's hands.”

”I am sorry you should be troubled, Mr. Gotobed; but, upon my word, I cannot say but what it serves you right.”

”That is because you are offended with me. I endeavoured to protect a poor man against a rich man, and that in this country is cause of offence.”