One of them is living, and is now in the city."
"What can he swear to?"
"He can swear to his own signature, and to all the rest. He can relate
and swear to all the circumstances attending the execution of the
paper."
"And you know that these rights were never previously conveyed."
"Yes, I know they never were."
"Then, mark you, General, Balfour has no case at all--provided this
isn't a dirty paper. If it is a dirty paper, and you want me to serve
you, keep your tongue to yourself. You've recorded it, of course."
"Recorded it?" inquired Mr. Belcher in an alarm which he did not attempt
to disguise.
"You don't mean to tell me that this paper has been in existence more
than six years, and has not been recorded?"
"I didn't know it was necessary."
Mr. Cavendish tossed the paper back to the owner of it with a sniff of
contempt.
"It isn't worth that!" said he, snapping his fingers.
Then he drew out the check from his drawer, and handed it back to Mr.
Belcher.
"There's no case, and I don't want your money," said he.
"But there is a case!" said Mr. Belcher, fiercely, scared out of his
fear. "Do you suppose I am going to be cheated out of my rights without
a fight? I'm no chicken, and I'll spend half a million before I'll give
up my rights.
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