He went so far as to insinuate that
he was taking up this matter himself solely on the score of
charity, adding that as he could not of course afford to be money
out of pocket for expenses of witnesses, etc, he did not quite see
how he was to proceed. Then the Senator made certain promises. He
was, he said, going back to London in the course of next week, but
he did not mind making himself responsible to the extent of fifty
dollars if the thing were carried on, bona fide, to a conclusion.
Mr. Bearside declared that it would of course be bona fide, and
asked the Senator for his address. Would Mr. Gotobed object to
putting his name to a little docket certifying to the amount
promised? Mr. Gotobed gave an address, but thought that in such a
matter as that his word might be trusted. If it were not trusted
then the offer might fall to the ground. Mr. Bearside was profuse
in his apologies and declared that the gentleman's word was as good
as his bond.
Mr. Gotobed made no secret of his doings. Perhaps he had a feeling
that he could not justify himself in so strange a proceeding
without absolute candour. He saw Mr. Mainwaring in the street as he
left Bearside's office and told him all about it. "I just want,
sir, to see what'll come of it"
"You'll lose your fifty dollars, Mr. Gotobed, and only cause a
little vexation to a high-spirited young nobleman.
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