ive their evidence, you
will see that the judicial mind is not always quite as judicial as one
would wish, especially when the privileges and immunities of the
profession are concerned. Now, your appearance in person to conduct
your case must, unavoidably, cause some inconvenience to the Court.
Your ignorance of procedure and legal details must occasion some delay;
and if the judge should happen to be an irritable man he might resent
the inconvenience and delay. I don't say that would affect his
decision--I don't think it would--but I am sure it would be wise to
avoid giving offense to the judge. And, above all, it is most
desirable to be able to detect and reply to any maneuvers on the part
of the opposing counsel, which you certainly would not be able to do."

"This is excellent advice, Doctor Thorndyke," said Bellingham, with a
grim smile; "but I'm afraid I shall have to take my chance."

"Not necessarily," said Thorndyke. "I am going to make a little
proposal, which I will ask you to consider without prejudice as a
mutual accommodation. You see, your case is one of exceptional
interest--it will become a textbook case, as Miss Bellingham
prophesied; and, since it lies within my specialty, it will be
necessary for me to follow it in the closest detail. Now, it would be
much more satisfactory to me to study it from within than from without,
to say nothing of the credit which would accrue to me if I should be
able to conduct it to a successful issue. I am therefore going to ask
you to put your case in my hands and let me see what can be done with
it. I know this is an unusual course for a professional man to take,
but I think it is not improper under the circumstances."

Mr. Bellingham pondered in silence for a few moments, and then, after a
glance at his daughter, began rather hesitatingly: "It's very generous
of you, Doctor Thorndyke----"

"Pardon me," interrupted Thorndyke, "it is not. My motives, as I have
explained, are purely egoistic."

Mr. Bellingham laughed uneasily and again glanced at his daughter, who,
however, pursued her occupation of peeling a pear with calm
deliberation and without lifting her eyes. Getting no help from her he
asked: "Do you think that there is any possibility whatever of a
successful issue?"

"Yes, a remote possibility--very remote, I fear, as things look at
present; but if I thought the case absolutely hopeless I should advise
you to stand aside and let events take the