"Ay--but what I'm afraid of, is this: that the presumption of forgery arising from the alteration, is overcome by the presumption to the contrary, arising from long-continued and consistent possession!--On the other hand, however, it is certainly a general rule that the party producing an instrument must account for the appearance of erasure or alteration, to encounter the presumption of fraud!--I must say _that_ seems good sense enough!"... "It's really been a very interesting cause," said Mr. Subtle. "Very. Some capital points--that of Mortmain's on the stamp act"---- "Pish, Lynx! there's nothing in it! I meant the cause itself has been an interesting one--uncommonly." Mr. Subtle suddenly paused and stood still. "God bless my soul, Lynx--I've made a blunder!" "Eh!" "Yes--by Jove, a blunder! Never did such a thing since I've led a cause before!" "A blunder? Impossible!--What is it?" inquired Lynx, briskly, pricking up his ears. "It will be at least thirty or forty pounds out of our client's pocket. I forgot to ask Widdrington for the certificate for the costs of the special jury. I protest I never did such a thing before--I'm quite annoyed--I hate to _overlook_ anything." "Oh! is that all?" inquired Lynx, much relieved--"then it's all right! While you were speaking to Mr. Gammon, immediately after the verdict had been given, I turned towards Quicksilver to get him to ask for the certificate--but he had seen a man with the new 'Times' containing the Division on the Catholic claims, and had set off after him--so I took the liberty, as you seemed very earnestly talking to Mr. Gammon, to name it to the judge--and it's all right." "Capital!--Then there isn't a single point missed!--And in a good two days' fight that's something." "D'ye think we shall keep the verdict, and get its fruits?" "We shall keep the verdict, I've no doubt; there's nothing in Widdrington's notes that we need be afraid of--but of course the Aubreys will put us to bring another ejectment, perhaps several." "Yes--certainly--there _must_ be a good deal of fighting before such a property as Yatton changes hands," replied Lynx, with a complacent air; for he saw a few pleasant pickings in store for him. "By the way," he continued, "our client's a sweet specimen of humanity, isn't he?" "Faugh! odious little reptile! And did you ever in all your life witness such a scene as when he interrupted me in the way he did?" "Ha, ha! Never! But, upon my honor, what an exquisite turn you gave the thing--it was worth more than called it forth--it was admirable." "Pooh--Lynx!" said Mr. Subtle, with a gratified air; "knack--mere knack--nothing more. My voice trembled--eh?--at least so I intended." "Upon my soul, I almost believed you were for the moment overcome, and going to shed tears."