“I have the cards, however, in my own hands,” thought he, “and M’Bride’s advice was a good one.  He having destroyed the other documents, it follows that this registry, which I have safe and snug, will be just what his lordship’s enemies will leap at.  Of course they are humbugging the old peer about the other papers, and, as I know, it is devilish easy to humbug the young one.  My agency is gone to the winds; but I think the registry will stand me instead.  It ought, in a case like this, to be well worth five thousand; at least, I shall ask this sum—­not saying but I will take less.  Here goes then for an interview with Birney, who has the character of being a shrewd fellow—­honorable, they say—­but then, is he not an attorney?  Yes, Birney, have at you, my boy;” and having come to this virtuous conclusion, he directed his steps to that gentleman’s office, whom he found engaged at his desk.

“Mr. Birney, I presume,” with a very fashionable bow.

“Yes, sir,” said Birney, “that is my name.”

“Haw!  If I don’t mistake, Mr. Birney,” with a very English accent, which no one could adopt, when he pleased, with more success than our Kerry boy—­“if I don’t mistake, we both made a journey to France very recently?”

“That may be, sir,” replied Birney, “but I am not aware of it.”

“But I am, though,” tipping Birney the London cockney.

“Well, sir,” said Birney, very coolly, “and what follows from that?”

“Why haw—­haw—­I don’t exactly know at present; but I think a good dee-al may follow from it.”

“As how, sir?”

“I believe you were over there on matters connected with Lord Cullamore’s family—­haw?”

“Sir,” replied Birney, “you are a perfect stranger to me—­I haven’t the honor of knowing you.  If you are coming to me on anything connected with my professional services, I will thank you to state it.”

“Haw!—­My name is Norton, a friend of Lord Dunroe’s.”

“Well, Mr. Norton, if you will have the goodness to mention the business which causes me the honor of your visit, I will thank you; but I beg to assure you, that I am not a man to be pumped either by Lord Dunroe or any of his friends.  You compel me to speak very plainly, sir.”

“Haw!  Very good—­very good indeed! but the truth his, I’ve given Dunroe hup.”

“Well, sir, and how is that my affair?  What interest can I feel in your quarrels?  Personally I know very little of Lord Dunroe, and of you, sir, nothing.”

“Haw! but everything ’as a beginning, Mr. Birney.”

“At this rate of going, I fear we shall be a long time ending, Mr. Norton.”

“Well,” replied Norton, “I believe you are right; the sooner we understand each other, the better.”

“Certainly, sir,” replied Birney; “I think so, if you have any business of importance with me.”

“Well, I rayther think you will find it important—­that is, to your own interests.  You are an attorney, Mr. Birney, and I think you will admit that every man in this world, as it goes, ought to look to ’is own interests.”