'But it's the merest nonsense.

We've lost it, and there's an end.' 'I tell you,' said Morris, 'Uncle Masterman is dead.

I know it, there's a voice that tells me so.' 'Well, and so is Uncle Joseph,' said John.
'He's not dead, unless I choose,' returned Morris.
'And come to that,' cried John, 'if you're right, and Uncle Masterman's been dead ever so long, all we have to do is to tell the truth and expose Michael.' 'You seem to think Michael is a fool,' sneered Morris.

'Can't you understand he's been preparing this fraud for years?
He has the whole thing ready: the nurse, the doctor, the undertaker, all bought, the certificate all ready but the date! Let him get wind of this business, and you mark my words, Uncle Masterman will die in two days and be buried in a week.

But see here, Johnny; what Michael can do, I can do.
If he plays a game of bluff, so can I.If his father is to live for ever, by God, so shall my uncle!' 'It's illegal, ain't it ?' said John.
'A man must have SOME moral courage,' replied Morris with dignity.
'And then suppose you're wrong?
Suppose Uncle Masterman's alive and kicking ?' 'Well, even then,' responded the plotter, 'we are no worse off than we were before; in fact, we're better.