human
Yes--he's a keen hand, to be sure: he's given us _all_ work enough; and I must say, it's been a capital set-to between you! I'm _very_ glad you got the verdict!
gpt
It wouldn't have done to be beaten on one's own dung-hill, as it were--eh? By the way, Lynx, that was a good hit of yours about the erasure--I ought, really, if it had occurred to me at the time, to have given you the credit of it--'twas entirely yours, Lynx, I must say.
human
Oh, no! --replied Lynx, modestly.
gpt
It was a mere accident my lighting on it; the merit was, the use you made of it!
human
To think of ten thousand a-year turning on that same trumpery erasure!
gpt
But are you sure of our verdict on that ground, Mr. Subtle? Do you think Lord Widdrington was right in rejecting that deed?
human
Right? to be sure he was! But I own I got rather uneasy at the way the Attorney-General put it--that the estate had once been vested, and could not be subsequently de-vested by an alteration or blemish in the instrument evidencing the passing of the estate--eh? that was a good point, Lynx.
gpt
Ay, but as Lord Widdrington put it--that could be only where the defect was proved to exist after a complete and valid deed had been once established.
human
True--true; that's the answer, Lynx; here, you see, the deed is disgraced in the first instance; no proof, in fact, that it ever _was_ a deed--therefore, mere waste paper.
gpt
To be sure, _possession_ has gone along with the deed
human
Possession gone along with it!--What then?--That is to say, the man who has altered it, to benefit himself and his heirs, keeps it snugly in his own chest--and then that is of itself to be sufficient to
gpt
Ay--but what I'm afraid of, is this: that the presumption of forgery arising from the alteration, is overcome by the presumption to the contrary, arising from long-continued and consistent possession!--On the other hand, however, it is certainly a general rule that the party producing an instrument must account for the appearance of erasure or alteration, to encounter the presumption of fraud!--I must say _that_ seems good sense enough!
human
It's really been a very interesting cause,
gpt
Very. Some capital points--that of Mortmain's on the stamp act
human
Pish, Lynx! there's nothing in it! I meant the cause itself has been an interesting one--uncommonly.
gpt
God bless my soul, Lynx--I've made a blunder!
human
Eh!
gpt
Yes--by Jove, a blunder! Never did such a thing since I've led a cause before!
human
A blunder? Impossible!--What is it?
gpt
It will be at least thirty or forty pounds out of our client's pocket. I forgot to ask Widdrington for the certificate for the costs of the special jury. I protest I never did such a thing before--I'm quite annoyed--I hate to _overlook_ anything.
human
Oh! is that all? inquired Lynx, much relieved--
gpt
Capital!--Then there isn't a single point missed!--And in a good two days' fight that's something.
human
D'ye think we shall keep the verdict, and get its fruits?
gpt
We shall keep the verdict, I've no doubt; there's nothing in Widdrington's notes that we need be afraid of--but of course the Aubreys will put us to bring another ejectment, perhaps several.
human
Yes--certainly--there _must_ be a good deal of fighting before such a property as Yatton changes hands, replied Lynx, with a complacent air; for he saw a few pleasant pickings in store for him.
gpt
By the way, he continued,
human
Faugh! odious little reptile! And did you ever in all your life witness such a scene as when he interrupted me in the way he did?
gpt
Ha, ha! Never! But, upon my honor, what an exquisite turn you gave the thing--it was worth more than called it forth--it was admirable.
human
Pooh--Lynx! said Mr. Subtle, with a gratified air;
gpt
Upon my soul, I almost believed you were for the moment overcome, and going to shed tears.
human
Ah, ha, ha!--Delightful! I was convulsed with inward laughter! _Shed tears!!_ Did the bar take it, Lynx? inquired Mr. Subtle; for though he hated display, he loved _appreciation_, and by competent persons.
gpt
By the way, Lynx, the way in which you've got up the whole case does you vast credit--that opinion of yours on the evidence was--upon my word--the most masterly