The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 1, August, 1851Various
History
The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 1, August, 1851
Various
Art, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Science -- History -- Periodicals
They then stood glaring at each other in silence, till the attorney,
mastering himself as well as he could, essayed another and more
rational mode of attaining his purpose.
"Come, come, Jennings," he said, "don't be a fool. Let us understand
each other. I have just discovered a paper, a memorandum of what you
have found in the drawers, and to obtain which you bought them. I
don't care for the money--keep it; only give me the
papers--documents."
"Papers--documents!" ejaculated Caleb in unfeigned surprise.
"Yes--yes; of use to me only. You, I remember, cannot read writing;
but they are of great consequence to me--to me only, I tell you."
"You can't mean Mrs. Warner's letter?"
"No--no; curse the letter! You are playing with a tiger! Keep the
money, I tell you; but give up the papers--documents--or I'll
transport you!" shouted Sowerby with reviving fury.
Caleb, thoroughly bewildered, could only mechanically ejaculate that
he had no papers or documents.
The rage of the attorney when he found he could extract nothing from
Jennings was frightful. He literally foamed with passion, uttered the
wildest threats; and then suddenly changing his key, offered the
astounded cobbler one--two--three thousand pounds--any sum he chose to
name--for the papers--documents! This scene of alternate violence and
cajolery lasted nearly an hour; and then Sowerby rushed from the
house, as if pursued by the furies, and leaving his auditor in a state
of thorough bewilderment and dismay. It occurred to Caleb, as soon as
his mind had settled into something like order, that there might be
another secret drawer; and the recollection of Mr. Lisle's journey to
London returned suggestively to him. Another long and eager search,
however, proved fruitless; and the suspicion was given up, or, more
correctly, weakened.
As soon as it was light the next morning, Mr. Sowerby was again with
him. He was more guarded now, and was at length convinced that
Jennings had no paper or document to give up. "It was only some
important memoranda," observed the attorney carelessly, "that would
save me a world of trouble in a lawsuit I shall have to bring against
some heavy debtors to Mr. Lisle's estate; but I must do as well as I
can without them. Good morning." Just as he reached the door, a sudden
thought appeared to strike him. He stopped and said: "By the way,
Jennings, in the hurry of business I forgot that Mr. Lisle had told me
the chest of drawers you bought, and a few other articles, were family
relics which he wished to be given to certain parties he named. The
other things I have got: and you, I presume, will let me have the
drawers for--say a pound profit on your bargain?"
Caleb was not the acutest man in the world; but this sudden
proposition, carelessly as it was made, suggested curious thoughts.
"No," he answered; "I shall not part with it. I shall keep it as a
memorial of Mr. Lisle."
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