"There is another edition, entire, in three volumes," said Mrs.
Stanley.
"I had forgotten it" said Hazlehurst; "but I am, nevertheless, convinced that it was this edition which I read, for I remember looking for it on an upper shelf, where it belonged."
"It was probably another volume of the same edition; there must be some half-dozen, to judge by the size of this," observed Mr. Reed.
"There were eight volumes, but one has been missing for years," said Mrs. Stanley.
"It was this which I read, however," said Harry; "for I remember the portrait of Steele, in the frontispiece."
"Will you swear to it?" asked Mr. Clapp, with a doubtful smile.
"When I do take an oath, it will not be lightly, sir," replied
Hazlehurst.
"It is pretty evident, that Mr. Hazlehurst will not be easily satisfied," added Mr. Clapp, with an approach to a sneer. "Shall we go on, Mr. Reed, or stop the examination?"
Mrs. Stanley professed herself anxious to ask other questions; and as she had showed more symptoms of yielding than the gentlemen, the sailor's counsel seemed to cherish hopes of bringing her over to their side. At her request, Mr. Wyllys then proceeded to ask some questions, which had been agreed upon before the meeting.
"What is your precise age, sir?"