"I do not understand your plan at all," replied Charles Tyrrell; "but I put every trust in you, and will write the notes directly. If you want money to bribe the people, I have plenty upon me; for my mother sent me the day before yesterday a very large supply."
"I wonder the governor let you have it," replied Morrison, "but give me a hundred pounds. I may as well begin operations to-night."
Charles Tyrrell followed his directions implicitly in everything. He had known him from boyhood, and he knew that there was no doubting him. He therefore wrote the notes and placed them in his hands together with the money, and Morrison looked satisfied and even joyful.
"I cannot insure success," he said. "But we have a chance and a good one. I will not tell you my plan, as perhaps it is well you should be ignorant of it, till it is executed. Only be prompt to do exactly what you are told at once, and without question; and under no circumstances venture any exclamations of surprise."
Charles smiled with a melancholy look, as he replied, "I think after what has occurred to me within the last few days, Everard, that I have no right to utter an exclamation of surprise at anything. But I will do exactly as I am told, and endeavour to be quick and ready."
"Well, then, good night," replied Everard, "for I will not know what sleep is, till I have arranged all this business."
Thus saying, he left him, and the night passed over with Charles Tyrrell in sleepless anxiety.
On the following day, however, at about one o'clock, Everard re-appeared; bringing with him a famous barrister, who had obtained a high reputation for eliciting truth in criminal cases, even when concealed by the most impervious art. On introducing him, Everard said with a meaning smile, "I have had the honour, Sir Charles Tyrrell, of giving your retaining fees, which as usual have been graciously received, and now have the pleasure of introducing to you Mr. ----, who will advise with you on your defence, better than I can do. I have only to say, that you must be well aware of the necessity of making your counsel fully aware of all the particulars of your case."
What took place between Charles Tyrrell and the barrister, is needless to recapitulate. The learned gentleman thought a very good case could be made in favour of his client, and seized all the particulars with a rapidity and precision, which, perhaps, none but lawyers are capable of displaying. Everard Morrison took his leave at the same time with the barrister, and departed, merely pausing to say to his friend, "Don't go to bed till you hear more."
The governor, who really took an interest in the young baronet, was standing in the lobby when the two lawyers came out, and knowing them both well, he nodded familiarly to the barrister, saying: "I hope, sir, you'll be able to make a good case for poor Sir Charles."