Yet it encouraged our man of law to proceed.--' I can promise you, Mr.Hazlewood, few people have taken the interest in that matter which I have done, both for the sake of the country and on account of my particular respect for your family, which has so high a stake in it; indeed, so very high a stake that, as Mr.Featherhead is 'turning old now, and as there's a talk, since his last stroke, of his taking the Chiltern Hundreds, it might be worth your while to look about you.

I speak as a friend, Mr.Hazlewood, and as one who understands the roll; and if in going over it together--' 'I beg pardon, sir, but I have no views in which your assistance could be useful.' 'O, very well, perhaps you are right; it's quite time enough, and I love to see a young gentleman cautious.

But I was talking of your wound.

I think I have got a clue to that business--I think I have, and if I don't bring the fellow to condign punishment--!' 'I beg your pardon, sir, once more; but your zeal outruns my wishes.

I have every reason to think the wound was accidental; certainly it was not premeditated.