"Though a very important sum in the process of accumulation."
"Yes, there is no doubt of that. I think," Dunbar added, after reflecting for some moments, "that some less apparent defect might be substituted for the one I have admitted, and which would not reflect so strongly upon my want of legal acumen."
"And by doing so, jeopardize the result."
"I am safe for ten thousand, you know; and I am not sure that I ought not to be satisfied with that and the reputation success in this case will give me."
"If you were absolutely certain of success, then what you say has some force. But, of that, you are by no means sure. We have all the money on our side, and can oppose you with any required force of counsel; and even in the case of a decision adverse to our interests, inset all the costs, and go up with an appeal. You could not settle this matter in two or three years, if we give you battle in good earnest, as we certainly shall, and then the result is doubtful. None know better than you and I how little calculation is to be made on the decision of Courts."
Dunbar did not reply to this; but sat with his eyes fixed upon the floor. His companion, after a few moments, resumed—
"My fee in this case is to be five thousand dollars, if successful, and one thousand if I fail. If I throw you out on the demurrer, and thus completely kill Malcolm, I will get my five thousand, of course. I can therefore afford, if we get thirty thousand dollars out of old Harrison, to let your share be twenty thousand, and take ten myself. How will that do?"
"It looks rather better, I must confess," said Dunbar; "and it shall stand so, if you can arrange all upon the terms proposed."
"I will accomplish it without doubt, unless I have mistaken my man."
This settled, the friends in iniquity parted.