s pantry, into which pantry, on the following Wednesday, he coaxed the footman, who was entrusted with the letter, and, after giving him, as he called it, his dose, he contrived to get the letter from him, under a pretext of looking at the direction, and then exchanged it for another, which he had

previously written, and which the poor footman, who, as Kiddy knew, could not read, carried to the post-office.
Kiddy's letter was as follows:
TO THE REVEREND Mr. FIGGINS.
WE begin to be down upon them, the Lord be praised. I shall tell you all how and about it to-morrow. Blow me, Mr. Figgins, if I don't think this repentance will be the saving of my precious soul.
Thy brother sinner, K. FLUSH.

As soon as Flush was alone he broke open the other letter, the cover of which was directed "To Mr. Skinks," and described his residence in London. It contained these words.

I have considered the matter, and really think you are too peremptory. What I have promised is very handsome, and I will not consent to a tittle more. If you think it will better suit

your purpose to turn about, do so, with all my heart. If you know my secrets, recollect that yours are also known to either—at your own option—your firm friend, or determined enemy

This letter, by the advice of Emma, was immediately conveyed to Figgins, who, upon consulting with Mr. Balance, and putting different circumstances together, began to have a strong suspicion that he himself had lent a helping hand in the business of Mr. Tadpole's marriage.
Tadpole, as the reader knows, was an attorney's clerk. Be it now known that Skinks was an attorney's clerk also, but having been guilty, since the expiration of his article, of many nefareous practices, in the way of his profession, he became, among many other rogues of the same description, well known to Mr. Balance, who happening just at that time to have him under his thumb, told Figgins that he had no doubt but he should bring him to reason.
Figgins consented to use Mr. Balance's authority as a corps de reserve, but thought it a good thing previously to worm a confession out of Shinks himself.

For this purpose he called on him, and pretended that he was commissioned by Tadpole to settle, once for all, their dispute.
As Figgins familiarly mentioned the business of the marriage
