you, you assert, and we believe, without your knowledge, and contrary to your practice. But I am determined that the libel shall undergo the prosecution which its atrocity deserves; but we wish to prosecute the real author, and request from you the only means you can have, according to your statement, of giving the desired information; but I do not say I require or demand, because you have an alternative.” Hamilton now asked Sir Edward if he would go; Sir Edward answered he made no doubt but the editor would, on reflection, afford them the satisfaction which they desired. The editor asked if they could defer till the following morning pressing for a sight of the hand-writing? “I had much rather you would discover the truth in any other way; and, upon my honour, I have not seen the hand-writing. I think from the _last_ part of the advertisement you have some kind of a clue.” “Well, sir,” said Hamilton, “I believe I comprehend you, and I shall promise not to require an answer to my questions about the hand-writing, till to-morrow morning.” At this time a servant calling the editor forth, he begged to be excused for a few minutes; and on his return said, that he had just learned the insertion to have arisen from the inadvertence of the person that acted for him as editor in his absence. The hand-writing he had now seen; but would say nothing on the subject until the following day; “I have only to observe one thing, that if you should happen to suspect any individual person, perhaps by pretending to know more than you do, you may best answer your purpose.” Hamilton and Hamden now set off to the house of Blackball, and finding that worthy person at home, desired a few minutes conversation. He, bowing very obsequiously, requested their attendance in a back parlour. Hamilton, profiting by the hint of the editor, told Mr. Blackball that they had examined the paragraphs which they now presented to him, and found they were all deduceable from the same origin. “Now, Mr. Blackball, what we have to say to you is short; you will either confess yourself the author of the paragraphs in question, or stand the actions for defamation of Miss Maria Mortimer, in the paragraphs which we will prove to be from you. Will you or not?” “Gentlemen, you are very sudden,” said Blackball. Finding them, however, inexorable he fully confessed the whole. The different papers acknowledged themselves completely deceived: the countess’s scheme was entirely discomfited, and Blackball, for the present, was allowed a respite from the pillory. Hamilton having returned, informed Maria of Blackball’s confession, but without taking any notice of the prompter.