er and pomatum, entered. I thought I recollected having
seen him too, but could not remember his name, though he spoke to me
with the greatest familiarity; at least, that sort of familiarity that
an official person generally assumes. He bustled about and about,
speaking to everyone, but declined listening for a single moment to
any. The lady offered to withdraw, but he stopped her.

"No, no, Mrs. Keeler, you need not go; you need not go; you must not
go, madam. The business I came about concerns you--yes, that it does.
Bad business yon of Walker's? Eh? Could not help it--did all I could,
Mr. Wringhim. Done your business. Have it all cut and dry here, sir.
No, this is not it--Have it among them, though.--I'm at a little loss
for your name, sir (addressing my friend)--seen you very often,
though--exceedingly often--quite well acquainted with you."

"No, sir, you are not," said my friend, sternly. The intruder never
regarded him; never so much as lifted his eyes from his bundle of law
papers, among which he was bustling with great hurry and importance,
but went on:

"Impossible! Have seen a face very like it, then--what did you say your
name was, sir?--very like it indeed. Is it not the young laird who was
murdered whom you resemble so much?"

Here Mrs. Keeler uttered a scream, which so much startled me that it
seems I grew pale, and, on looking at my friend's face, there was
something struck me so forcibly in the likeness between him and my late
brother that I had very nearly fainted. The woman exclaimed that it was
my brother's spirit that stood beside me.

"Impossible!" exclaimed the attorney. "At least, I hope not, else his
signature is not worth a pin. There is some balance due on yon
business, madam. Do you wish your account? because I have it here,
ready discharged, and it does not suit letting such things lie over.
This business of Mr. Colwan's will be a severe one on you,
madam--rather a severe one."

"What business of mine, if it be your will, sir," said I. "For my part
I never engaged you in business of any sort less or more." He never
regarded me, but went on: "You may appeal, though. Yes, yes, there are
such things as appeals for the refractory. Here it is, gentlemen. Here
they are all together. Here is, in the first place, sir, your power of
attorney, regularly warranted, sealed, and signed with your own hand."

"I declare solemnly that I never signed that document," said I.

"Aye, aye, the system of