"Proverbs!" interrupted Bergan, starting, and beginning to look interested.
"Yes,—proverbs in every language under the sun,—Latin, Greek, Spanish, German, and all the rest,—a regular Tower-of-Babel performance. Do you recognize him?"
"I suspect that I do. Go on."
"Well, his companion,—have I given you any clue to him?"
"None as yet. Perhaps I may get one as your story progresses."
"He was persuading this old proverb-spouter to sign some paper,—a will, I think; but it was only after a good deal of arguing, and bribing, and threatening, that he succeeded in doing so. Now comes your part in the matter; the old fellow's great objection seemed to be that he didn't want to injure you."
"Me!" repeated Bergan, in much astonishment; "what had I to do with it?"
"That is exactly what I couldn't find out; but I thought you might be able to tell. You cannot?"
"Not in the least. What else was there?"
"Nothing, only the old bundle of proverbs also wanted to know 'what would be to pay,' if they were found out,—would it be felony, or compounding of felony, or what?"