‘The former was chief of the Academics, the latter of the Stoics,’ said the Dominie, with some scorn of the supposition.
‘Yes, my dear sir, but it was Zenocrates, not Plato, who denied that pain was an evil.’
‘I should have thought,’ said Pleydell, ‘that very respectable quadruped which is just now limping out of the room upon three of his four legs was rather of the Cynic school.’
‘Very well hit off. But here comes an answer from Mac-Morlan.’
It was unfavourable. Mrs. Mac-Morlan sent her respectful compliments, and her husband had been, and was, detained by some alarming disturbances which had taken place the preceding night at Portanferry, and the necessary investigation which they had occasioned.
‘What’s to be done now. Counsellor?’ said the Colonel to Pleydell.
‘Why, I wish we could have seen Mac-Morlan,’ said the Counsellor, ‘who is a sensible fellow himself, and would besides have acted under my advice. But there is little harm. Our friend here must be made sui juris. He is at present an escaped prisoner, the law has an awkward claim upon him; he must be placed rectus in curia, that is the first object; for which purpose, Colonel, I will accompany you in your carriage down to Hazlewood House. The distance is not great; we will offer our bail, and I am confident I can easily show Mr.--I beg his pardon--Sir Robert Hazlewood, the necessity of receiving it.’
‘With all my heart,’ said the Colonel; and, ringing the bell, gave the necessary orders. ‘And what is next to be done?’
‘We must get hold of Mac-Morlan, and look out for more proof.’
‘Proof!’ said the Colonel, ‘the thing is as clear as daylight: here are Mr. Sampson and Miss Bertram, and you yourself at once recognise the young gentleman as his father’s image; and he himself recollects all the very peculiar circumstances preceding his leaving this country. What else is necessary to conviction?’