``Stop the case,'' said Peter with a vulgar insolence that grated
upon the lawyer. ``It's no good.''

``I beg your pardon, Mr. Ganser. I don't follow you.''

``But I follow myself. Stop the case. I pay you off now.''

``You can't deal with courts as you can with your employees, Mr.
Ganser. There are legal forms to be gone through. Of course, if
you're reconciled to your son-in-law, why--''

Peter laughed. ``Son-in-law! That scoundrel--he's a bigamist.
I got the proofs from Germany this morning.''

Beck became blue round the edges of his mouth and his eyes
snapped. ``So you've been taking steps in this case without
consulting me, Mr. Ganser?''

``I don't trust lawyers. Anyway, what I hire you for? To try my
case. It's none of your business what I do outside. I pay you
off, and I don't pay for any dirty works I don't get.'' He had
wrought himself into a fury. Experience had taught him that that
was the best mood in which to conduct an argument about money.

``We'll send you your bill,'' said Beck, in a huge, calm rage
against this dull man who had outwitted him. ``If you wish to
make a scene, will you kindly go elsewhere?''

``I want to pay you off--right away quick. I think you and Loeb