Curse Church and State if it be! I have got myself, perhaps, into a pretty mess by them." He had scarcely uttered the last words when Mr.Hastings, accompanied by two or three officers of justice, entered his bedroom.
"Ah, Hastings, my dear friend, what is the matter?
Is there any thing wrong, or can I be of any assistance to you?
if so, command me.

But we are out of power now, you know.

Still, show me how I can assist you.

How do you do ?" and as he spoke he put his hand out to shake hands with.

Mr.
Hastings.
[Illustration: PAGE 143--No, Sir Robert, I cannot take your hand] "No, Sir Robert, I cannot take your hand, nor the hand of any man that is red with the blood of murder.