Even we sailors know _that_; as we all go to school before we go to sea.

But, Sir Wycherly, in efforts to make himself understood, called you a 'half-blood.'" "And quite correctly--I admit such to be the fact; and that I have no more _legal_ claim, whatever on this estate, than you have yourself.

My _moral_ right, however, may be somewhat better." "It is much to your credit, that you so frankly admit it, Sir Reginald; for, hang me, if I think even the judges would dream of raising such an objection to your succeeding, unless reminded of it." "Therein you do them injustice, Sir Gervaise; as it is their duty to administer the laws, let them be what they may." "Perhaps you are right, sir.

But the reason for my asking what a _nullus_ is, was the circumstance that Sir Wycherly, in the course of his efforts to speak, repeatedly called his nephew and heir, Mr.Thomas Wychecombe, by that epithet." "Did he, indeed ?--Was the epithet, as you well term it, _filius nullius_ ?" "I rather think it was _nullus_--though I do believe the word _filius_ was muttered, once or twice, also." "Yes, sir, this has been the case; and I am not sorry Sir Wycherly is aware of the fact, as I hear that the young man affects to consider himself in a different point of view.

A _filius nullius_ is the legal term for a bastard--the 'son of nobody,' as you will at once understand.
I am fully aware that such is the unfortunate predicament of Mr.Thomas Wychecombe, whose father, I possess complete evidence to show, was never married to his mother." "And yet, Sir Reginald, the impudent rascal carries in his pocket even, a certificate, signed by some parish priest in London, to prove the contrary." The civil baronet seemed surprised at this assertion of his military brother; but Sir Gervaise explaining what had passed between himself and the young man, he could no longer entertain any doubt of the fact.
"Since you have seen the document," resumed Sir Reginald, "it must, indeed, be so; and this misguided boy is prepared to take any desperate step in order to obtain the title and the estate.