"'God moves in a mysterious way,' etc. B. & H.'s proposition does not
much surprise me, though it is an entire change of base, not to say
baseness. They now propose exactly what I wanted at first, a reference
to some fair man; and had I made a list of a half-dozen for them to
choose from, Mr. Rogers would probably have been one of them. He is
quite deaf, but transacts business, and it is for him to say whether
he is fit to _hear_ the matter. Of course you are at liberty to name
another or others. I have great confidence that any man of such a
character will do what he thinks is just....
"Now let me say this is getting to be a serious matter; and though you
may doubtless look on it as very plain, you may be much embarrassed
before you are through.
"I do not see how you can decline their offer, which is precisely your
own, if you took the formality out as I suggested. I doubt now whether
B. & H. will not find some way to avoid a hearing. I think you had
better accept their offer, but with limitations that shall hold them
somewhere. In any reference of this sort, it will be understood that
you may have counsel and witnesses, unless the idea is excluded by
agreement....
"You see I bear your burdens almost instinctively. In fact, I fear to
trust you alone, you being, after all, but a poor little creeter, bless
you."