"I suppose you'd have no objection to signing a memorandum of agreement--nothing that would be of any use in a court of law, you know, but a simple understanding between man and man, for our own satisfaction, as a safeguard against all possibility of misunderstanding in the future.

I've every reason to consider you the most honourable of men, you know; but honourable men turn round upon each other sometimes.

You might ask me for something more than three thou' if you succeeded in your search." "Precisely; or I might make terms with the heir-at-law, and throw you over.

Perhaps that was your idea ?" "Not exactly.

The first half of the chain is in my hands, and the second half will be worth nothing without it.