out that," returned Banneker gravely. "We'll see.
Honest, you say. Are you?"

"Yes."

"Then why do you begin by doubting the honesty of a stranger against
whom you know nothing?"

"Legal habit, I dare say. Fortified, in this case, by your association
with The Ledger."

"You haven't a high opinion of my paper?"

"The very highest, of its adroitness and expertness. It can make the
better cause appear the worse with more skill than any other journal in
America."

"I thought that was the specialty of lawyers."

Judge Enderby accepted the touch with a smile.

"A lawyer is an avowed special pleader. He represents one side. A
newspaper is supposed to be without bias and to present the facts for
the information of its one client, the public. You will readily
appreciate the difference."

"I do. Then you don't consider The Ledger honest."

Judge Enderby's composed glance settled upon the morning's issue, spread
upon his desk. "I have, I assume, the same opinion of The Ledger's
honesty that you have."

"Do you mind explaining that to me quite simply, so that I shall be sure
to understand it?" invited Banneker.

"You have read the article about your exploit?"

"Yes."

"Is that honest?"

"It is as accurate a job as I've ever known done."

"Granted. Is it honest?"

"I don't know," answered the other after a pause. "I intend to find
out."

"You intend to find out why it is so reticent on every point that might
impugn the police, I take it. I could tell you; but yours is the better
way. You gave the same interview to your own paper that you gave to The
Patriot, I assume. By the way, what a commentary on journalism that the
most scurrilous sheet in New York should have given the fullest and
frankest treatment to the subject; a paper written by the dregs of Park
Row for the reading of race-track touts and ignorant servant girls!"

"Yes; I gave them the same interview. It may have been crowded out--"

"For lack of space," supplied Enderby in a tone which the other heartily
disliked. "Mr. Banneker, I thought that this was to be in the open."

"I'm wrong," confessed the other. "I'll know by this evening why the
police part was handled that way, and if it was policy--" He stopped,
considering.

"Well?" prompted the other.

"I'll go through to the finish with your committee."

"You're as good as pledged," retorted the lawyer. "I shall expect to
hear from you."

As soon as he could find Tommy Burt, Banneker p