"Beg pardon, Miss," he said, "but I'd back Mr. Brewster against
Fournier any day."

Only half an hour late, Brewster entered the office of Messrs.
Grant & Ripley, flushed, eager, and unconscious of the big splotch
of mud that decorated his cheek.

"Awfully sorry to have kept you waiting," he apologized.

"Sherlock Holmes would say that you had been driving, Mr.
Brewster," said Mr. Ripley, shaking the young man's hand.

"He would miss it, Mr. Ripley. I've been flying. What have you
heard from Montana?" He could no longer check the impatient
question, which came out so suddenly that the attorneys laughed
irresistibly, Brewster Joining them an instant later. They laid
before him a half dozen telegrams, responses from bankers,
lawyers, and mine-operators in Montana. These messages established
beyond doubt the extent of James T. Sedgwick's wealth; it was
reported to be even greater than shown by the actual figures.

"And what does Mr. Jones say?" demanded Montgomery.

"His reply resembles a press dispatch. He has tried to make
himself thoroughly clear, and if there is anything left unsaid it
is past our comprehension. I am sorry to inform you, though, that
he has paid the telegraph charges," said Mr. Grant, smiling
broadly.

"Is he rational about it?" asked Montgomery, nervously.