"Excuse me, sir, but I am only stating my opinion. If I should find that this woman is unable to say that she did not sign two separate documents on that day—that is, to say so with a positive and point blank assurance, I shall recommend you, as my client, to drop the prosecution."
"I will never drop it," said Mr. Mason.
"You will do as you please," continued Round; "I can only say what under such circumstances will be the advice given to you by this firm. I have talked the matter over very carefully with my father and with our other partner, and we shall not think well of going on with it unless I shall now find that your view is strongly substantiated by this woman."
Then outspoke Mr. Dockwrath, "Under these circumstances, Mr. Mason, if I were you, I should withdraw from the house at once. I certainly would not have my case blown upon."
"Mr. Mason, sir, will do as he pleases about that. As long as the business with which he honours us is straight-forward, we will do it for him, as for an old client, although it is not exactly in our own line. But we can only do it in accordance with our own judgment. I will proceed to explain what I now propose to do. The woman Bolster is in the next room, and I, with the assistance of my head clerk, will take down the headings of what evidence she can give."
"In our presence, sir," said Mr. Dockwrath; "or if Mr. Mason should decline, at any rate in mine."
"By no means, Mr. Dockwrath," said Round.
"I think Mr. Dockwrath should hear her story," said Mr. Mason.
"He certainly will not do so in this house or in conjunction with me. In what capacity should he be present, Mr. Mason?"
"As one of Mr. Mason's legal advisers," said Dockwrath.