some letters to answer," and Langham quickened his pace.

Gilmore kept his place at the lawyer's elbow. For a moment there was
silence between them, and then Gilmore said:

"You got away from McBride's in a hurry Saturday; why didn't you wait
and see the finish?"

Langham made no answer to this, and Gilmore, after another brief
silence, turned on him with an unexpected question:

"How would you like to be in North's shoes, Marsh?" As he spoke, the
gambler rested a hand on Langham's shoulder. He felt him shrink from the
physical contact. "Gives you a chill just to think of it, doesn't it?"
he said. "I suppose Moxlow believes there's the making of a pretty
strong case against him; eh, Marsh?"

"I don't know; I can't tell what he thinks," said Langham briefly.

"But in North's place, back there in the jail in one of those brand-new
iron cages over the yard, how would you feel? That's what I want to
know!"

Langham met his glance for an instant and then his eyes fell. He sensed
the insinuation that was back of Gilmore's words.

"Can't you put yourself in his place, with the evidence, such as it is,
all setting against you?"

"I'm due at the office," said the lawyer suddenly.

Gilmore took his arm.

"If North didn't kill McBride, who did?" he persisted.

"Why do you ask me such questions?" demanded Langham resentfully.

"My lord--can't we consider the matter?" asked the gambler laughing.

"What's the use? Here, I've got to go to the office, Andy--" and he
sought to release himself, but Gilmore retained his hold.

"I suppose you are going to see North?" he asked.

Langham came to a sudden stop.

"What's that?" he asked hoarsely.

"You have been his intimate for years; surely you are too good a friend
to turn your back on him now!"

"If he wants me, he'll send for me!" muttered Langham.

"Do you mean you aren't _going_ to him, Marsh?" asked the gambler with
well simulated astonishment.

"He knows where I'm to be found," said Langham, striding forward again,
"and, damn it, this is no concern of yours!"

"Well, by thunder!" ejaculated Gilmore.

"I don't need any points from you, Andy!" said Langham, with a sullen
sidelong glance at his companion.

They had crossed the Square, and Langham now halted at the curb.

"Good-by, Andy!" he said, and shook himself free of the other's
detaining hand.

"Hold on a minute, Marsh!" objected Gilmore.

"Well, what is it, can't you see I am in a hurry?"

"Oh,