"If anybody has the chance to drop upon an error of judgment on his part," he said, "I think I know who it is."
Mr. Dawkins smiled. "You have a good deal of confidence, Mr. Gray. Now, from what I have heard of Mr. George Early, he can, if he is so disposed, set himself a task, and dare some of the boldest to turn him from it. When a young man makes up his mind on temperance, and has a good deal at stake, I'm inclined to think he won't easily run risks."
Gray tapped the crown of his hat impatiently. "He may keep off whisky for a bit," said he, "but the others are not so easy. Where we come in promptly is on the borrowing score, and the little departures from truth. They'll be our first bull's-eyes, Mr. Dawkins."
The lawyer's eyes lit up suddenly. He left the mantelshelf, and sat down.
"May I ask, Mr. Gray, if you saw Mr. George Early yesterday?"
"I think so," said Gray; "yes, of course, many times."
"But not this morning?"
"Not yet; why?"
"Then you do not know," said the lawyer, in slow, even tones, "that Mr. Early has already forfeited two of the three legacies. It is now only the temperance legacy that he holds."
This news almost bereft Gray of speech. He murmured something unintelligible, and sat staring at the lawyer with open mouth.