Droop approached his visitor and slowly examined his clothing, gravely feeling the stuff between thumb and finger and even putting his hand inside the doublet to feel the lining. Bacon's outraged dignity struggled within him with the sense of his necessity. Finally, just as he was about to give violent expression to his impatience, Droop stepped back and took in the general effect with one eye closed and his head cocked on one side. "Jest turn round, will ye?" he said, with a whirling movement of the hand, "an' let me see how it looks in the back?" Biting his lips, the furious barrister turned about and walked away. "Needs must where the devil drives," he muttered. Droop shook his head dismally. "Marry, come up!" he exclaimed. "I guess I can't make the bargain, friend Bacon." "But why?" "I don't like the cut o' them clothes. I'd look rideec'lous in 'em. Besides, the's too much risk in it, Bacon, my boy," he said, familiarly, throwing himself into the arm-chair and stretching out his legs comfortably. "Ef the knaves was to catch me an' find out the trick I'd played 'em, why, sure as a gun, they'd put me in the lock-up an' try me fer stealin' your duds--your habiliments." "Nay, then," Bacon exclaimed, eagerly, "I'll give you a writing, Master Droop, certifying that the clothes were sold to you for a consideration. That will hold you blameless. What say you?" "What about the horse and the saddle and bridle?" "These are borrowed from a friend, Master Droop," said Bacon. "These rascals know this, else had they seized them in execution." "Ah, but won't they seize your clothes, Brother Bacon?" said Droop, slyly. "Nay--that were unlawful. A man's attire is free from process of execution." "I'll tell ye wherein I'll go ye," said Droop, with sudden animation. "You give me that certificate, that bill of sale, you mentioned, and also a first-class letter to some lord or political chap with a pull at the Patent Office, an' I'll change clothes with ye an' fool them bailiff chaps." "I'll e'en take your former offer, then," said Bacon, with a sigh. "One fourth part of all profits was the proposal, was it not?" "Oh, that's all off!" said Droop, grandly, with a wave of the hand. "If I go out an' risk my neck in them skin-tight duds o' yourn, I get the hull profits an' you get to London safe an' sound in these New Hampshire pants." "But, good sir----" "Take it or leave it, friend." "Well," said Bacon, angrily, after a few moments' hesitation, "have your will. Give me ink, pen, and paper." These being produced, the barrister curiously examined the wooden penholder and steel pen. "Why, Master Droop," he said, "from what unknown bird have you plucked forth this feather?" "Feather!" Droop exclaimed. "What feather?" "Why this?" Bacon held up the pen and holder. "That ain't a feather. It's a pen-holder an' a steel pen, man. Say!" he exclaimed, leaning forward suddenly. "Ye hain't ben drinkin', hev ye?"