Belcher. "I supposed
him to be dead for years. I have now reason to suspect that he is
living."
"Have you been using these patents?
"Yes, and I've made piles of money on them."
"Is your right contested?"
"No; but I have reason to believe that it will be."
"What reason?" inquired Mr. Cavendish, sharply.
Mr. Belcher was puzzled.
"Well, the man has been insane, and has forgotten, very likely, what he
did before his insanity. I have reason to believe that such is the case,
and that he intends to contest my right to the inventions which this
paper conveys to me."
"What reason, now?"
Mr. Belcher's broad expanse of face crimsoned into a blush, and he
simply answered:
"I know the man."
"Who is his lawyer?"
"Balfour."
Mr. Cavendish gave a little start.
"Let me see that paper again," said he.
After looking it through again, he said, dryly:
"I know Balfour. He is a shrewd man, and a good lawyer: and unless he
has a case, or thinks he has one, he will not fight this document. What
deviltry there is in it, I don't know, and I don't want you to tell me.
I can tell you that you have a hard man to fight. Where are these
witnesses?"
"Two of them are dead.
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