"In short, Mr.Wheeler, I will try and get Mr.Bassett a thousand pounds to forego this scandal." "I will consult him, and let you know," said Wheeler.

"He happens to be in the town." Oldfield called again in an hour.

Wheeler told him a thousand pounds would be accepted, with a written apology.
Oldfield shook his head.

"Sir Charles will never write an apology: right or wrong, he is too sincere in his conviction." "He will never get a jury to share it." "You must not be too sure of that.

You don't know the defense." Oldfield said this with a gravity which did him credit.
"Do you know it yourself ?" said the other keen hand.
Mr.Oldfield smiled haughtily, but said nothing.