‘Not I. I haven’t seen him for ever so long. But he may not be willing to give up his legal rights; and if this Dr. Mackenzie and his friends should make up their minds to prosecute you criminally----’ ‘What!’ The shout silenced Beattie. The two men sat looking steadily at each other. ‘Lindsay,’ said Beattie at length, ‘is it not better that you should hear the truth from a friend’s lips, rather than from an enemy’s? Look at the facts. You made an ugly blunder, by which you stand to make a large profit. Giving up the money will only be taken as a confession of guilt. It cannot save you.’ ‘I know you are innocent of any wrong intention, my dear fellow,’ said Beattie warmly, after a short pause. ‘Do you suppose I would take all this trouble if I did not know it? But if you had been as long in the profession as I have been, you would understand how the most innocent man, if he has got into a hole (as you have done), may damage his cause by admissions--that is, by speaking frankly to his enemies. They take your words, and twist them into a confession of guilt. Don’t give them the chance of doing that. When Mr. Hatchett questions you, as he is sure to do, tell _him_ the truth frankly--say you made a blunder which you cannot account for, that your uncle _may_ have changed his mind, but he said nothing of it to you--you’re sure of that, by the way?’ ‘Quite sure.’ ‘Well, say so frankly. And say you cannot remember reading the very words, but you have no doubt you read the words that were before you in the will. That is true enough, I suppose?’ ‘Certainly. And yet I could have sworn it was “five hundred thousand.”’ ‘Then you would have followed up one mistake by another, you see. That is only your opinion. The will speaks for itself.’ ‘I _cannot_ understand it.’ ‘But if Dr. Mackenzie, or any stranger, comes to ask you questions, say not one word--not one word, as you value your reputation. Refer them to me, or to Mr. Hatchett. Say nothing to anybody, either of what you thought were your uncle’s intentions, or anything else. It is your only safe course. If the danger passes by, well and good. If it comes to your door, I am ready to stand by you. Can I say more?’ ‘No. You are very good, Beattie,’ said Alec half absently. ‘If I have need of anyone to defend me, I am sure the case could not be in better hands than yours.’ ‘Thank you, Lindsay. Well, if I am to help you, I am entitled to ask you to hold your tongue in presence of the enemy, am I not? It’s not what you might say that I am afraid of. It’s the construction they might put upon it.’ ‘Yes; I will follow your advice, Beattie.’ ‘That’s right. You won’t repent doing so, I am sure. It’s the only sensible thing to do. And now, I see you are very tired and worried, so I’ll say good-night.’ * * * * *