Old Morton (to JACKSON). You have kept a record of this business
during the last eighteen months. Look at this letter. (Handing
letter.) Is the handwriting familiar?

Jackson (taking letter). Can't say, sir. The form is the old one.

Old Morton. How many such letters have you received?

Jackson. Four hundred and forty-one, sir. This is the four
hundred and forty-second application for your son's position, sir.

Don Jose. Pardon. This is not an application: it is only
information or caution.

Old Morton (to JACKSON). How many letters of information or
caution have we received?

Jackson. This makes seven hundred and eighty-one, sir.

Old Morton. How, sir! (Quickly.) There were but seven hundred
and seventy-nine last night.

Jackson. Beg pardon, sir! The gentleman who carried Mr. Alexander's
valise from the boat was the seven hundred and eightieth.

Old Morton. Explain yourself, sir.

Jackson. He imparted to me, while receiving his stipend, the fact
that he did not believe young Mr. Alexander was your son. An hour
later, sir, he also imparted to me confidentially that he believed