It was late in the night before their disagreement was settled.
Steve insisted that he would sign the bill; he had brought the suit and he would assume the responsibility for it. But he had met his match. Jacquelin was firm, and finally declared that if Steve still held to his decision he would not press the suit at all. Steve urged Rupert’s interest. Jacquelin said Rupert would still have six months after he came of age, in which to save his rights. In this unexpected turn of the case, Steve was forced to yield; and Jacquelin recopied the whole bill in his own hand and filed it the next morning. It was signed by Jacquelin and Rupert personally, and by General Legaie as counsel.
It created a sensation in at least two households in the County.
When Still read the bill, he almost dropped to the floor. The attack was made on the ground of fraud, and Major Welch had said the statute of limitations did not apply. After a conference, however, with Leech, who happened to be at home, he felt better. Leech assured him that the bill would not hold good against his possession of the bonds.
“They’ll hold against all creation,” said that counsellor, “if they weren’t stolen and ain’t been paid.”
This declaration did not seem to relieve Still much.
“And they’ve got to prove both of ’em,” added Major Leech, “and prove ’em before our judge.”
Still’s face cleared up.
“Well, Welch is obliged to stand by us. We’ll go and see him.”