“ ‘But the costs, my dear Sir, the costs of all this,’ reasoned the attorney, when he had recovered from his momentary surprise. ‘If the defendant be a man of straw, who is to pay the costs, Sir?’

“ ‘Name any sum,’ said the stranger, his hand trembling so violently with excitement, that he could scarcely hold the pen he seized as he spoke⁠—‘any sum, and it is yours. Don’t be afraid to name it, man. I shall not think it dear, if you gain my object.’