“So you shall, with this record. Will you pledge yourself not to object to the election expenses if I gain you the verdict?”
“Come, that's a fair offer,” said Heffernan, laughing.
“Maybe, they 'll come to ten thousand,” said the doctor, cautiously.
“Not above one half the sum, if Mr. O'Reilly will consent to take my advice.”
“And why wouldn't he?” rejoined the old man, querulously. “What signifies which side he takes, if it saves the money?”
“Is it a bargain, then?”
“Will you secure me against more trials at law? Will you pledge yourself that I am not to be tormented by these anxieties and cares?”
“I can scarcely promise that much; but I feel so assured that your annoyance will end here, that I am willing to pledge myself to give you my own services without fee or reward in future, if any action follow this one.”
“I think that is most generous,” said Heffernan.
“It is as much as saying, he 'll enter into recognizances for an indefinite series of five-hundred-pound briefs,” added O'Reilly.