'Then, Captain Lake, upon the same principle, and speaking quite above-board, you must dismiss at once from your mind the idea that you _can_ do so upon the terms you have of late seen fit to impose. I am speaking frankly when I say there must be a total change. I must _be_ in reality what I am held out to the world as being--your trusted, and responsible, and _sole_ adviser. I don't aspire to the position--I am willing at this moment to retire from it; but I never yet knew a divided direction come to good. It is an office of great responsibility, and I for one will not consent to touch it on any other conditions than those I have taken the liberty to mention.' 'These are easily complied with--in fact I undertake to show you they have never been disturbed,' answered Lake, rather sullenly. 'So that being understood--eh?--I suppose we have nothing particular to add?' And Captain Lake extended his gloved hand to take leave. But the attorney looked down and then up, with a shadow on his face, and his lip in his finger and thumb, and he said-- 'That's all very well, and a _sine qua non_, so far as it goes! but, my dear Captain Lake, let us be plain. You must see, my dear Sir, with such rumours, possibly about to get afloat, and such persons about to appear, as this James Dutton, that matters are really growing critical, and there's no lack of able solicitors who would on speculation, undertake a suit upon less evidence, perhaps, than may be forthcoming, to upset your title, under the will, through Mrs. Dorcas Brandon Lake--your joint title--in favour of the reversioner.' Lake only bit his lip and shook his head. The attorney knew, however, that the danger was quite appreciated, and went on-- 'You will, therefore, want a competent man--who has the papers at his fingers' ends, and knows how to deal ably--_ably_, Sir, with a fellow of James Dutton's stamp--at your elbow. The fact is, to carry you safely through you will need pretty nearly the undivided attention of a well-qualified, able, and confidential practitioner; and I need not say, such a man is not to be had for nothing.' Lake nodded a seeming assent, which seemed to say, 'I have found it so.' 'Now, my dear Captain Lake, I just mention this--I put it before you--that is, because you know the county is not to be contested for nothing--and you'll want a very serious sum of money for the purpose, and possibly a petition--and I can, one way or another, make up, with an effort, about L15,000_l._ Now it strikes me that it would be a wise thing for you--the wisest thing, perhaps, my dear Captain Lake, you ever did--to place me in the same boat with yourself.' 'I don't exactly see.'