"Two of them are dead. One of them is living, and is now in the city."
"What can he swear to?"
"He can swear to his own signature, and to all the rest. He can relate and swear to all the circumstances attending the execution of the paper."
"And you know that these rights were never previously conveyed."
"Yes, I know they never were."
"Then, mark you, General, Balfour has no case at all—provided this isn't a dirty paper. If it is a dirty paper, and you want me to serve you, keep your tongue to yourself. You've recorded it, of course."
"Recorded it?" inquired Mr. Belcher in an alarm which he did not attempt to disguise.
"You don't mean to tell me that this paper has been in existence more than six years, and has not been recorded?"
"I didn't know it was necessary."
Mr. Cavendish tossed the paper back to the owner of it with a sniff of contempt.