hope that YOU'LL take the first step.''

Ganser lost no time in going to his own lawyers--Fisher, Windisch
and Carteret, in the Postal Telegraph Building. He told Windisch
the whole story. ``And,'' he ended, ``I've got a detective
looking up the rascal. He's a wretch--a black wretch.''

``We can't take your case, Mr. Ganser,'' said Windisch. ``It's
wholly out of our line. We don't do that kind of work. I should
say Beck and Brown were your people. They stand well, and at the
same time they know all the tricks.''

``But they may play me the tricks.''

``I think not. They stand well at the bar.''

``Yes, yes,'' sneered Peter, who was never polite, was always
insultingly frank to any one who served him for pay. ``I know
that bar.''

``Well, Mr. Ganser,'' replied Windisch, angry but willing to take
almost anything from a rich client, ``I guess you can look out
for yourself. Of course there's always danger, once you get
outside the straight course of justice. As I understand it, your
main point is no publicity?''

``That's right,'' replied Ganser. ``No newspapers--no trial.''

``Then Beck and Brown. Drive as close a bargain as you can. But
you'll have to give up a few thousands, I'm afraid.''