the course of the day.'

'Well, then, gentlemen,' said Glossin, drawing his chair to the
table, and beginning to bustle about among the papers, 'where are
we? how far have we got? where are the declarations?'

'Clerk, give me all these papers,' said Mr. Pleydell. 'I have an
odd way of arranging my documents, Mr. Glossin, another person
touching them puts me out; but I shall have occasion for your
assistance by and by.'

Glossin, thus reduced to inactivity, stole one glance at Dirk
Hatteraick, but could read nothing in his dark scowl save
malignity and hatred to all around. 'But, gentlemen,' said
Glossin, 'is it quite right to keep this poor man so heavily
ironed when he is taken up merely for examination?'

This was hoisting a kind of friendly signal to the prisoner. 'He
has escaped once before,' said Mac-Morlan drily, and Glossin was
silenced.

Bertram was now introduced, and, to Glossin's confusion, was
greeted in the most friendly manner by all present, even by Sir
Robert Hazlewood himself. He told his recollections of his infancy
with that candour and caution of expression which afforded the
best warrant for his good faith. 'This seems to be rather a civil
than a criminal question,' said Glossin, rising; 'and as you
cannot be ignorant, gentlemen, of the effect which this young
person's pretended parentage may have on my patrimonial interest,
I would rather beg leave to retire.'