n, only that I believe I could have put your friend on the safe
road as to his future course."

"You regard it then as authentic--as a good and valid instrument?" said
Linton, in a low but eager voice.

"So much so," said Hammond, lowering his tone to a mere whisper, "that
if he does not marry the young lady in question, I would not give him
twenty shillings for his title."

"By Jove!" exclaimed Linton, leaning his head on the door of the
carriage, as if to conceal his chagrin, but in reality to hide the
exuberance of his joy; "and this is your candid opinion of the case?"

"I am willing to stake my fame as a lawyer on the issue; for, remember,
the whole history of the suit is familiar to me. I recollect well the
flaws in the course of proofs adduced, and I see how this discovery
reconciles each discrepancy, and supplies every missing link of the
chain."

"Poor fellow!--it will be a sad blow for him," said Linton, with
admirably feigned emotion.

"But it need not, Mr. Linton; the church can tie a knot not even an
equity suit can open. Let him marry."

"Ay, if he will."

"Tell him he must; tell him what I now tell you, that this girl is the
greatest heiress in the land, and that he is a beggar. Plain speaking,
Mr. Linton, but time is short Good-bye."

"One word more. Is the document of such a nature that leaves him no case
whatever? Is all the ground cut away beneath his feet?"

"Every inch of it. Once more, good-bye. Here is your parchment; keep it
safely. There are few men in this city hold in their hands a paper of
such moment."

"I'll take good care of it," said Linton, sententiously; "and so
good-bye, and a safe journey to you. I 'll not forget our conversation
of this morning; Meek shall hear of it before I sleep to-night. Adieu."

"The richest heiress in the land, and Cashel a beggar," repeated Linton,
slowly, to himself, as the carriage drove off. "Charley Frobisher would
say, 'Hedge on the double event,' but I 'll keep my book." And, with
this slang reflection, he sauntered into the inn to wait for his horses.

CHAPTER VIII. ROLAND DISCOVERS THAT HE HAS OVERDRAWN

--His counsel, like his physic,
If hard to take, was good when taken.

Village Worthies.

Long before the guests of Tubbermore were astir, Cashel sat in his
library awaiting the arrival of Dr. Tiernay. In obedience to Roland's
request, Mr. Kennyfeck was present, and affected to look over books
or out of windows,