282                                   KIDNAPPED.
expressions of mine that (in a word) he showed me to
the door. We were then at a full stand; for whatever
shrewd suspicions we might entertain, we had no shadow
of probation. In the very article, comes Captain
Hoseason with the story of your drowning; whereupon
all fell through; with no consequences but concern to
Mr. Campbell, injury to my pocket, and another blot
upon your uncle's character, which could very ill afford
it. And now, Mr. Balfour," said he, "you understand
the whole process of these matters, and can judge for
yourself to what extent I may be trusted."
Indeed he was more pedantic than I can represent
him, and placed more scraps of Latin in his speech; but
it was all uttered with a fine geniality of eye and manner
which went far to conquer my distrust. Moreover, I
could see he now treated me as if I was myself beyond
a doubt; so that first point of my identity seemed fully
granted.
"Sir," said I, "if I tell you my story, I must com-
mit a friend's life to your discretion. Pass me your
word it shall be sacred; and for what touches myself, I
will ask no better guarantee than just your face."
He passed me his word very seriously. "But," said
he, "these are rather alarming prolocutions; and if
there are in your story any little jostles to the law, I
would beg you to bear in mind that I am a lawyer, and
pass lightly."
Thereupon I told him my story from the first, he
listening with his spectacles thrust up and his eyes