ROBERTS, coming forward anxiously: 'But, my dear Willis--'

WILLIS, clapping his hand over his mouth, and leading him back to
his place: 'We can't let you talk now. I've no doubt you'll be
considerate, and all that, but Dr. Lawton has the floor. Go on,
Doctor! Free your mind! Don't be afraid of telling the whole
truth! It will be better for you in the end.' He rubs his hands
gleefully, and then thrusting the points of them into his waistcoat
pockets, stands beaming triumphantly upon Lawton.

LAWTON: 'Do you think so?' With well-affected trepidation 'Well,
friends, if I must confess this--this--'

WILLIS: 'High-handed outrage. Go on.'

LAWTON: 'I suppose I must. I shall not expect mercy for myself;
perhaps you'll say that, as an old and hardened offender, I don't
deserve it. But I had an accomplice--a young man very respectably
connected, and who, whatever his previous life may have been, had
managed to keep a good reputation; a young man a little apt to be
misled by overweening vanity and the ill-advised flattery of his
friends; but I hope that neither of you gentlemen will be hard upon
him, but will consider his youth, and perhaps his congenital moral
and intellectual deficiencies, even when you find your watches--on
Mr. Campbell's person.' He leans forward, rubbing his hands, and
smiling upon Campbell, 'How will that do, Mr. Campbell, for a
flyer?'

WILLIS, turning to Mrs. Crashaw: 'One ahead, Aunt Mary?'