‘I must put a stop to this nonsense,’ said Michael, ’and that for ever.  You say too near the truth.  In one sense your uncle is dead, and has been so long; but not in the sense of the tontine, which it is even on the cards he may yet live to win.  Uncle Joseph saw him this morning; he will tell you he still lives, but his mind is in abeyance.’

‘He did not know me,’ said Joseph; to do him justice, not without emotion.

‘So you’re out again there, Morris,’ said John.  ’My eye! what a fool you’ve made of yourself!’

‘And that was why you wouldn’t compromise,’ said Morris.

’As for the absurd position in which you and Uncle Joseph have been making yourselves an exhibition,’ resumed Michael, ’it is more than time it came to an end.  I have prepared a proper discharge in full, which you shall sign as a preliminary.’

‘What?’ cried Morris, ’and lose my seven thousand eight hundred pounds, and the leather business, and the contingent interest, and get nothing?  Thank you.’

‘It’s like you to feel gratitude, Morris,’ began Michael.

‘O, I know it’s no good appealing to you, you sneering devil!’ cried Morris.  ’But there’s a stranger present, I can’t think why, and I appeal to him.  I was robbed of that money when I was an orphan, a mere child, at a commercial academy.  Since then, I’ve never had a wish but to get back my own.  You may hear a lot of stuff about me; and there’s no doubt at times I have been ill-advised.  But it’s the pathos of my situation; that’s what I want to show you.’

‘Morris,’ interrupted Michael, ’I do wish you would let me add one point, for I think it will affect your judgement.  It’s pathetic too since that’s your taste in literature.’

‘Well, what is it?’ said Morris.

’It’s only the name of one of the persons who’s to witness your signature, Morris,’ replied Michael.  ‘His name’s Moss, my dear.’

There was a long silence.  ‘I might have been sure it was you!’ cried Morris.

‘You’ll sign, won’t you?’ said Michael.

‘Do you know what you’re doing?’ cried Morris.  ’You’re compounding a felony.’

‘Very well, then, we won’t compound it, Morris,’ returned Michael.  ’See how little I understood the sterling integrity of your character!  I thought you would prefer it so.’

‘Look here, Michael,’ said John, ’this is all very fine and large; but how about me?  Morris is gone up, I see that; but I’m not.  And I was robbed, too, mind you; and just as much an orphan, and at the blessed same academy as himself.’

‘Johnny,’ said Michael, ‘don’t you think you’d better leave it to me?’

‘I’m your man,’ said John.  ’You wouldn’t deceive a poor orphan, I’ll take my oath.  Morris, you sign that document, or I’ll start in and astonish your weak mind.’

With a sudden alacrity, Morris proffered his willingness.  Clerks were brought in, the discharge was executed, and there was Joseph a free man once more.