"The deuce he must! You did not go wide of the mark when you named the price that would buy him."
"No. It seems that I was correct. I thought I knew him pretty well."
"Then for thirty thousand dollars guaranteed to him in case we make good our defence through a flaw in his bill, he will so frame his bill as to leave room for a demurrer."
"Yes. That is what he assents to."
"Very well; we understand him clearly. Now what is your opinion? Shall we pay him this large sum to give us the case, or shall we push on, and try to get it in spite of him?"
"I am clearly of opinion," replied the lawyer, "that we ought to plough with Malcolm's heifer, seeing that he is ready to bend his neck to the yoke. It will cost something, but it makes so much sure."
"Very well. You can arrange the matter with Dunbar. At the proper time I will be ready to fulfil my part of the contract."
"He is not willing to act as proposed, unless he has the most ample security that the amount specified will be forthcoming," said the lawyer, slightly hesitating as he spoke.
"Ah! I suppose not," replied Harrison. "Let him name the security he wants, and I will see if I cannot satisfy him."
"Very well. That is all he asks."