But to return from this episode. Dr. Scribble was much alarmed with the thoughts of Hamilton’s displeasure, and frightened, even to tremor, after beholding his terrible prowess; to avert his anger, he was willing to make the humblest concessions. Commencing a penitent and deprecatory speech, he was suddenly interrupted by our hero, who, shaking him cordially by the hand, told him to think no more of it, assuring him, that he should not himself, and acknowledged that he had rather been the aggressor, by his strictures upon Dr. Scribble’s talents and erudition. Quite delighted with this explanation, Scribble’s eyes sparkled; “and so you allow me, my dear Hamilton, to have extraordinary genius and learning.” “Yes, yes, I do; but suppose we have coffee, we have had wine enough,” “Oh, not yet,” says Scribble; “we must have another bottle for our reconciliation.” Hamilton never exceeded a bottle from choice; yet, when conviviality invited, could drink double the quantity, without intoxication; and now consented. They enjoyed themselves very sociably, conversing chiefly upon the adventure of the catchpoles; Scribble assuring Hamilton, he could have encountered any of them with a small sword; but he believed they would have been an over-match for him at boxing. Without investigating this question, Hamilton said, he thought the most important part of the adventure to Scribble, was the object of the pursuit. “Do you think that this fellow, Lawhunt, can pay you for so voluminous a work as this must prove?” Scribble, archly winking, went and shut the door, which happened to be ajar: “Oh no, he will not be able to go through with it; but let him begin it, that’s enough, it will not be lost, Billy Nincompoop will take it up--Billy’s the man. If any one starts an idea, Bill out with his tablets--down with it--makes it his own. If any one broaches a new book, Billy out with another upon the same subject, like an opposition stage-coach, so that you will see that Nincompoop will be the chap for German literature. I have engaged with this stupid beast, Lawhunt, for two volumes, and have got bills in advance.” “It would appear,” observed Hamilton, “from his own acknowledgement, that his bills are not very punctually honoured,” “Oh, I made allowance for that in our bargain; he agreed to fifty _per cent_ more than any body else could give.” “How did you manage that with him, Doctor?” “Very easily; I shall suppose a work worth a guinea _per_ sheet.” “Very moderate indeed.” “Oh it’s very good pay; if it were such as I would do for Bill for one guinea, I would ask Lawhunt two; he knowing nothing of the matter, being a low mechanic, and addicted to hagling, would chiefly bend his thoughts to beating me down. I, after much difficulty, would give up first half-a-crown, then another half-crown, at last, well, my good friend, Jeffery, you are an honourable man, but lower than the half guinea, by God, I will not go. He agrees, chuckling all the