'Now, sir,' I continued, 'I expect to have to pay for my unhappy
frolic, but I would like very well if it could be managed without
my personal appearance or even the mention of my real name. I had
so much wisdom as to sail under false colours in this foolish jaunt
of mine; my family would be extremely concerned if they had wind of
it; but at the same time, if the case of this Faa has terminated
fatally, and there are proceedings against Todd and Candlish, I am
not going to stand by and see them vexed, far less punished; and I
authorise you to give me up for trial if you think that best--or,
if you think it unnecessary, in the meanwhile to make preparations
for their defence. I hope, sir, that I am as little anxious to be
Quixotic, as I am determined to be just.'
'Very fairly spoken,' said Mr. Robbie. 'It is not much in my line,
as doubtless your friend, Mr. Romaine, will have told you. I
rarely mix myself up with anything on the criminal side, or
approaching it. However, for a young gentleman like you, I may
stretch a point, and I dare say I may be able to accomplish more
than perhaps another. I will go at once to the Procurator Fiscal's
office and inquire.'
'Wait a moment, Mr. Robbie,' said I. 'You forget the chapter of
expenses. I had thought, for a beginning, of placing a thousand
pounds in your hands.
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