ce, so that no one in the
outer office might hear, he said:

"Well, I'll give you twice as much if you refuse the engagement."

She laughed ironically.

"You mean that my father-in-law will give it," she said lightly. Then
she went on:

"You know it's no use your asking me to concede anything unless you
agree to defend Howard."

The lawyer shook his head.

"I can't--it's impossible."

"Then neither can I," she exclaimed defiantly.

Judge Brewster could not refrain from smiling. This young woman had
actually inveigled him into an argument. Almost mockingly, he said:

"So you're determined to have me."

"Yes," she said simply.

"But I don't argue criminal cases."

"That's just it," she exclaimed eagerly; "my husband is not a criminal.
He is innocent. I don't want a lawyer who is always defending criminals.
I want one who defends a man because he isn't a criminal."

Judge Brewster waved his hand contemptuously.

"Go and see some other lawyer--there are plenty of 'em."

She leaned eagerly forward. Her face was flushed from excitement, her
eyes flashed.

"There's only one Judge Brewster," she exclaimed. "He's the greatest
lawyer in the world, and he's going to help us. He is going to save
Howard's life."

The judge shifted uneasily on his chair. He didn't like this forceful,
persistent young woman. Almost fretfully, he said:

"You always say that. Upon my word, I shall begin to believe it soon."

"I shall say it again," she exclaimed, "and again every time I see
you."

The lawyer turned round. There was a comic look of despair in his face
which would have amused his visitor had her errand not been so serious.

"How often do you intend that shall be?"

"Every day," she replied calmly. "I shall say it and think it
until--until it comes true."

Judge Brewster tried to feel angry, although inwardly he had hard work
to keep from smiling. With pretended indignation, he said:

"You mean that you intend to keep at me until I give way--through sheer
exhaustion?"

She nodded.

"That's it exactly," she said.

The lawyer gasped.

"Well, I must say you--you--you're very brave."

Annie shook her head.

"No, I'm not," she said earnestly. "I'm an awful coward, but I'm
fighting for him. Howard Jeffries lifted me up when I was way down in
the world. He gave me his name. He gave me all he had, to make me a
better woman, and I'm grateful. Why, even a dog has gratitude, even a
dog will lick the hand that