ven't asked her for it since I
came home, because, in the light of our recent differences, I was
afraid she might think I didn't trust her."

"And do you suppose Woods knows that?"

"Of course he knows it!" Jim burst out. "She must have told him. Why
do you suppose he played around so long before deciding to make love to
Helen? Oh, it's all so simple and clear to me now that I wonder at my
stupidity."

I glanced at my watch.

"Good lord, Jim! You've almost made me lose my case. I have only
three minutes to get to the court-house. Hold up the climax until I
get back, if you can."

I jumped for the elevator and rushed to my appointment, getting there
just in time. The news of the morning had so raised my spirits that I
was filled with an immense enthusiasm. Everything went my way. My
summing up was a masterpiece of logic, if I do say so myself, and my
client received a substantial judgment.

There is no moment sweeter in a young lawyer's life than when another
lawyer, of big reputation, congratulates him on his conduct of a case.
My cup was filled to overflowing, and I must confess I had little
thought for Jim's affairs when I lunched that day with Stevenson and
McGuire, councils for the L. L. & G. The prognostications that they
made for my future were so exaggerated that a bigger man than I might
well have been excused for increased head and chest measurements.

At half past two I went back to the office to announce the good news to
Jim. I had made up my mind before luncheon to spend the afternoon on
the links in honor of my victory, but the clouds, which had been heavy
during the morning, by two o'clock opened up a steady drizzle. Jim was
at his desk when I came in bringing the glad tidings. He got up and
gripped my hand.

"Good boy, Bupps! I knew you'd do it. Thank the Lord your affairs are
going well anyway."

"Has something happened since I've been out?" I asked.

"Yes. The First National telephoned about eleven o'clock saying that
Helen wanted to borrow quite a large sum of money on her railroad stock
and asking if I knew about it. They thought the money was probably for
me and they wanted to ask if I'd be willing to wait a few days."

"How much was it?"

"Fifty thousand dollars."

"Is the stock worth that much, Jim?"

"Yes," said Jim seriously, "the stock is worth twice that. That's why
I have to go slow. She could sell that stock for fifty thousand at any
broker's in five minu