106 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

“T must go round it!” replied Jasper, warmly.
‘You know all the quirks and windings of the law,
and I look to you for help in this matter. The
possession of that child, is, to me, a thing of the
first importance. ”

“ After two years she will come into your hands
without trouble, Mr. Jasper. Why not wait ?”

“Wait! Iwill not hear the word. No! no! I
must have her now.’

“The law will not give her to you, Mr. Jasper,”
returned Grind, with the utmost self-possession.
“The contract is clearly expressed; and it is
binding.”’

“Js there no way to accomplish my end?” said
Jasper, impatiently. ‘‘ There must be. I cannot
be foiled in this matter. Even pride would forbid
this. But, there are stronger motives than pride at
work now.”

“ Can you allege ill-treatment against the young
man or his wife? Or neglect of your ward’s com-
fort? Have they failed to do their duty by her in
any respect " fi

“I should not wonder ; but, unfortunately, I can
prove nothing.”

‘You might call for an investigation.”

“ And if every thing was proved right on their

art?”

“he court would, most probably, return the
child to their care. I am ready to take all neces-
sary steps for you; but, Mr. Jasper, I very strong-
ly incline to the opinion that the least noise you
make in this matter, the better. Couldn’t you—for
a consideration in money, for instance—overcome