CHAPTER XVII.
Von Bauhr.
It will be remembered that Mr. Crabwitz was sent across from Lincoln's Inn to Bedford Row to ascertain the present address of old Mr. Round. ‘Mr. Round is at Birmingham,’ he said, coming back. 'Every one connected with the profession is at Birmingham, except'
'The more fools they,' said Mr. Furnival.
'I am thinking of going down myself this evening,’ said Mr. Crabwitz. 'As you will be out of town, sir, I suppose I can be spared?'
'You too!'
'And why not me, Mr. Furnival? When all the profession is meeting together, why should not I be there as well as another? I hope you do not deny me my right to feel an interest in the great subjects which are being discussed.'
'Not in the least, Mr. Crabwitz. I do not deny you your right to be Lord Chief Justice, if you can accomplish it. But you cannot be Lord Chief Justice and my clerk at the same time. Nor can you be in my chambers if you are at Birmingham. I rather think I must trouble you to remain here, as I cannot tell at what moment I may be in town again.'
'Then, sir, I'm afraid' Mr. Crabwitz began his speech and then faltered. He was going to tell Mr. Furnival that he must suit himself with another clerk, when he remembered his fees, and paused. It would be very pleasant to him to quit Mr. Furnival, but where could he get such another place? He knew that he himself was invaluable, but then he was invaluable only to Mr. Furnival. Mr. Furnival would be mad to part with him, Mr, Crabwitz thought; but then would he not be almost more mad to part with Mr. Furnival?
'Eh; well?' said Mr. Furnival.
'Oh! of course; if you desire it, Mr. Furnival, I will remain. But I must say I think it is rather hard.'
Look here, Mr. Crabwitz; if you think my service is too hard upon you, you had better leave it. But if you take upon yourself to tell me so again, you must leave it, Remember that.’ Mr. Fur-
