he was a real character, procured probably by his relation, the superior of the Chartreux, who, as we have said

was occasionally concerned with Mr. Goufre in his law practices.
In short, he so well knew, as he thought, the trim of the business, that he would not have hesitated to comply with the terms of Mr. Figgins, had he not had some very material objections to get rid of.
In the first place, he well knew that their knowledge of each others illicit conduct was mutual; they had trod together the paths of oppression; and it was their constant custom when either was likely to get into a scrape, to call the other to his assistance. In the present case, however, the procureur had previously sworn to the general of the police that he had actually been robbed, and this was indeed the truth; but matters—thanks to Figgins's address—wore now so different an aspect, that this seeming want of confidence quite exasperated him, and nothing but his own actual safety made him hesitate a moment to take part against the procureur.
Balancing thus between his conviction and his interest, he thought proper to pursue a middle course. He said, as there had actually been nothing proved which had been alledged, he could not answer sending to prison three persons, one of

them a lady, who had made so handsome a defence. Monsieur Goufre had certainly, in the first transports of his resentment, done what he thought very justifiable, but what, upon reflection, had neither certainty, nor even probability, to support it; that it was plain he had been some way or other tricked, how would very likely hereafter appear; and, if he had been too warm, stung as he was at being deprived of a large deposite, which it would cut deep into his fortune to make good, those very traits of liberality on which that gentleman—meaning Figgins—had dwelt, would, he hoped, induce him and his friend to overlook surely a very pardonable error.
Charles said, Monsieur Goufre's mad manner of rectifying a mistake, he thought, deserved no lenity at their hands. For his part he should detest the idea of patching up a matter that struck so hard in him at the honour of every young nobleman on his travels. He should think, if he passed by such a glaring impertinence, every one of his English acquaintance ought to resent it. He should therefore acquaint the English embassador, who was his father's particular friend, of the whole business, without the smallest reserve; and if he must endure to have a