" Yes; but Augustus had to acknowledge that he was not as clever as
his father.
At last he gave Jones a commission. Jones was to see his brother and to
explain to him that, before any question could be raised as to the
amount to be paid under the compromise, a sum of ten thousand pounds
must be handed to Augustus to reimburse him for money out of pocket.
Then Jones was to say, as out of his own head, that he thought that
Augustus might probably accept fifty thousand pounds in lieu of
twenty-five thousand pounds. That would still leave the bulk of the
property to Mountjoy, although Mountjoy must be aware of the great
difficulties which would be thrown in his way by his father's conduct.
But Jones had to come back the next day with an intimation that Mountjoy
had again gone abroad, leaving full authority with Mr. Barry.
Jones was sent to Mr. Barry, but without effect. Mr. Barry would discuss
the matter with the lawyer, or, if Augustus was so pleased, with
himself; but he was sure that no good would be done by any conversation
with Mr. Jones. A month went on--two months went by--and nothing came of
it. "It is no use your coming here, Mr. Scarborough," at last Mr. Barry
said to him with but scant courtesy. "We are perfectly sure of our
ground.
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