Bassett had not taken him
out, and invoked brute force, in the shape of Burdoch. "Well, sir,"
said he, "it seems they have shown you two can play at that game." And
so bade him good afternoon very civilly.
Bassett went home sickened. He remained sullen and torpid for a day or
two; then he wrote to Burdoch to send to London and try and recapture
Sir Charles.
But next day he revoked his instructions, for be got a letter from the
Commissioners of Lunacy, announcing the authoritative discharge of Sir
Charles, on the strong representation of Dr. Suaby and other competent
persons.
That settled the matter, and the poor cousin had kept the rich cousin
three months at his own expense, with no solid advantage, but the
prospect of a lawsuit.
Sharpe, spurred by Rolfe, gave him no breathing time. With the utmost
expedition the Declaration in Bassett _v._ Bassett followed the writ.
It was short, simple, and in three counts.
"For violently seizing and confining the plaintiff in a certain place,
on a false pretense that he was insane.
"For detaining him in spite of evidence that he was not insane.
"For endeavoring to remove him to another place, with a certain
sinister motive there specified.
"By which several acts the plaintiff had suffered in his health and his
worldly affairs, and had endured great agony of mind.
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