"From whence it will never come out in my time," roared the gentleman in black, like a 66 lion taken in the toils. No, no-I accept the merchant's offer." "It's too late now," observed old Bagsby, sorting out some papers; "I expect a Chancery barrister here immediately." "Then I'm off," said the other, "but remember, Sir," he continued, turning to Mr. Ledger, "Your word is past." 66 Aye, aye," replied the wary old merchant, "and you shall be paid too-that's my wayalways better pay money than go to law about it. Know the worst of it then. But, remember, a receipt in full of all demands.” 66 Aye, aye," said the other, whose nervous system was dismally affected, "I'll sign anything." Accordingly, much to the surprise and gratification of our hero, Mr. Maxwell; the venerable old merchant produced his cheque-book, and wrote a cheque for half the amount; and then with exchequer bills, bonds, and a tolerable variety of shares in mines, railways, gas-lights, steam-washing, shaving, shearing, carding, and shuffling companies, (in most of which the gentleman who was so partial to a pinch of the blackguard, had already a share) he made up the other moiety. A regularly verbose receipt in full of all demands, was drawn up by old Bagsby, and signed by the gentleman in black. The bonds of sinning were then rent asunder, and committed to the flames, and, once more, Mr. Maxwell breathed freely, as a free Christian ought, and walked arm-and-arm with his partner into the city. The gentleman in black pocketed his recovered treasure, (minus about five hundred pounds, which Bagsby deducted for stamps, &c., due from the receiver, and with which his conscience would not allow him to charge his |