ther inquiry followed, perhaps it would be
published broadcast in the papers, and Geoffrey was above all things
proud of his professional skill. Still, he had pledged his word to
both his partner and his daughter, and there was only one course open
to him, if the questions which would follow made it possible.

The lawyer, leaning forward, whispered to Thomas Savine, and then said
aloud, "If that drawing is what it purports to be, it must have been
purloined. May we ask accordingly how it came into your possession?"

"One of the complainants forwarded it to me. He said
he--obtained--it," was the dry answer. "Under the circumstances, I
hesitate to make direct use of it, but by the firm's stamp it appears
genuine."

"That Mr. Savine could personally be capable of such a mistake as this
is impossible on the face of it," said the inquirer's professional
assistant. "It is the work of a half-trained man, and suggests two
questions, Do you repudiate the plan, and, if you do not, was it made
by a responsible person? I presume you have a draughtsman?"

"There is no use repudiating anything that bears our stamp," said
Geoffrey, disregarding the lawyer's frown, and looking steadily into
the bewildered face of Thomas Savine. "I work out all such
calculations and make the sketches myself. My assistant sometimes
checks them."

The official, who had heard of the young contractor's reputation for
daring skill, looked puzzled as he commented:

"From what you say the only two persons who could have made the blunder
are Mr. Savine and yourself. I am advised, and agree with the
suggestion, that Mr. Savine could never have done so. From what I have
heard, I should have concluded it would have been equally impossible
with you; but I can't help saying that the inference is plain."

"Is not all this beside the question?" interposed the lawyer. "The
junior partner admits the plan was made in the firm's offices, and that
should be sufficient."

Geoffrey held himself stubbornly in hand while the officer answered
that he desired to ascertain if it was the work of a responsible
person. He knew that this blunder would be recorded against him, and
would necessitate several brilliant successes before it could be
obliterated, but his resolution never faltered, and when the legal
adviser, laying a hand upon his arm, whispered something softly, he
shook off the lawyer's grasp.

"The only two persons responsible are Mr. Savine and my