"This certificate is not necessary," observed Mr. Pakenham; "as in no case, under the provisions of these deeds," he added, pointing to a pile of documents before him, "could that young lady have instituted even a shadow of a claim to this money." [Illustration] "We had better possess one deed too many, than one too few," said Mr. Stephens, with another bland smile. "Oh! certainly," exclaimed the Earl. "And this precaution shows the exact condition of the late Mr. Stanford Sydney's family. The daughter is no more: the son lives, and is present." "Here, then, my lord," continued Stephens, "is the certificate of the birth of Walter Sydney, on the 25th day of November, 1814." The nobleman examined this document with far more attention than he had devoted to either of the former. He then handed it to Mr. Pakenham, who also scrutinized it narrowly. "It is quite correct, my Lord," said this gentleman. "We now require two witnesses as to identity." "I presume his Lordship will receive me as one," observed Mr. Stephens, "considering my intimate acquaintance with all--" "Oh certainly--certainly," interrupted the Earl hastily. "And Mr. Mac Chizzle will tender his evidence in the other instance," said Stephens. "I have known this young gentleman for the last six years," exclaimed Mac Chizzle, pointing towards Walter, "and I knew his mother also." "Is your Lordship satisfied?" enquired Mr. Pakenham, after a short pause. "Perfectly," answered the nobleman, without hesitation. "I am, however, in your hands." "Oh! as for me," returned Mr. Pakenham, "I have no objection to offer. Your Lordship is acquainted with Mr. Stephens." "Yes--yes," again interrupted the Earl; "I have known Mr. Stephens for some years--and I know him to be a man of honour." "Then there is nothing more to be said," observed Pakenham. "No--nothing," added Mac Chizzle; "but to complete the business." "I will now read the release," said Mr. Pakenham. The solicitor settled himself in a comfortable manner in his chair, and taking up a deed consisting of several folios, proceeded to make his hearers as much acquainted with its contents as the multifarious redundancies of law terms would allow.