"These are borrowed from a friend, Master Droop," said Bacon. "These rascals know this, else had they seized them in execution."
"Ah, but won't they seize your clothes, Brother Bacon?" said Droop, slyly.
"Nay—that were unlawful. A man's attire is free from process of execution."
"I'll tell ye wherein I'll go ye," said Droop, with sudden animation. "You give me that certificate, that bill of sale, you mentioned, and also a first-class letter to some lord or political chap with a pull at the Patent Office, an' I'll change clothes with ye an' fool them bailiff chaps."
"I'll e'en take your former offer, then," said Bacon, with a sigh. "One fourth part of all profits was the proposal, was it not?"
"Oh, that's all off!" said Droop, grandly, with a wave of the hand. "If I go out an' risk my neck in them skin-tight duds o' yourn, I get the hull profits an' you get to London safe an' sound in these New Hampshire pants."
"But, good sir——"
"Take it or leave it, friend."
"Well," said Bacon, angrily, after a few moments' hesitation, "have your will. Give me ink, pen, and paper."
These being produced, the barrister curiously examined the wooden penholder and steel pen.