It was a hard fight, and the temptation was strong upon him to hide the
truth. Humphrey would be content--he did not want to take his place;
and he sat opposite to him now in the study, upon the very edge of the
chair. Oh, it was ridiculous that he should have to give the place up
to such a man--one whom he had to order before he could get him to sit
down in his presence. And even when he felt that his mind was made up,
and he was stoically determined to do that which was right, the rightful
heir would keep upsetting his plans.
"You see, it would be so foolish, Master Dick."
"I can't help that, Humphrey. You must have your rights. I will not be
a party to the imposture."
"Hadn't you better see a lawyer about it all?"
To be sure. There was Pratt--a barrister--he might give good advice.
Richard rang the bell and a servant came. "Ask Mr Pratt to be kind
enough to step here."
"If you please, sir, Mr Pratt's gone, sir. I put his letter on your
table. Yes, there it is, sir."
Richard started.
"The rats desert the sinking ship," he muttered; and then blushed for
his doubt of his friend.
"When did he go?"
"Hour ago, sir. Telegraph come from Saint Kitt's, sir; and he wrote
that letter, sir, for you, while they got the dogcart ready to take him
to the station."
"That will do."
He tore open the letter, which enclosed the telegram from a friend in
chambers--
"Come directly. A good brief for you. Don't lose the chance."