"I know that his eloquence has saved untold men from the
gallows," said Mrs. Vandemeyer calmly. "What of it? I may need
his assistance in that line myself some day. If so, how fortunate
to have such a friend at court--or perhaps it would be more to
the point to say IN court."

Boris got up and began striding up and down. He was very
excited.

"You are a clever woman, Rita; but you are also a fool! Be guided
by me, and give up Peel Edgerton."

Mrs. Vandemeyer shook her head gently.

"I think not."

"You refuse?" There was an ugly ring in the Russian's voice.

"I do."

"Then, by Heaven," snarled the Russian, "we will see----" But
Mrs. Vandemeyer also rose to her feet, her eyes flashing.

"You forget, Boris," she said. "I am accountable to no one. I
take my orders only from--Mr. Brown."

The other threw up his hands in despair.

"You are impossible," he muttered. "Impossible! Already it may