cool blood, I am not likely to recede from.'

Lawyer Larkin bowed.

'And may I particularly ask that you will so attend to what I am about to
say, as to be able to make a note of it for Mr. Welder's consideration?'

'Certainly, if you desire; but I wish to say that in this particular
matter I beg it may be clearly understood that Mr. Wylder is in no
respect more my client than you, Captain Lake, and that I merely act as a
most reluctant messenger in the matter.'

'Just so,' said Captain Lake.

'Now, as to my thinking of representing either county or borough,' he
resumed, after a little pause, holding Mark Wylder's 'notice' between his
finger and thumb, and glancing at it from time to time, as a speaker
might at his notes, 'I am just as well qualified as he in every respect;
and if it lies between him and me, I will undoubtedly offer myself, and
accompany my address with the publication of this precious document which
he calls his notice--the composition, in all respects, of a ruffian--and
which will inspire every gentleman who reads it with disgust, abhorrence,
and contempt. His threat I don't understand. I despise his machinations.
I defy him utterly; and the time is coming when, in spite of his
manoeuvring, I'll drive him into a corner and pin him to the wall. He
very well knows that flitting and skulking from place to place, like an
escaped convict, he is safe in writing what insults he pleases through
the post. I can't tell how or where to find him. He is not only no
gentleman, but no man--a coward as well as a ruffian. But his game of
hide-and-seek cannot go on for ever; and when next I can lay my hand upon