f Everett comes to see you, as he said he was going to, I want
you to know that it is my wish that you should keep to your policy
with Ann and her brother. I cannot tell why I am writing you this,
only that my heart aches for that boy, and that for years I have
never felt so impelled to help a human being as I have him.

"I thought Everett might tell you that I was won to his way of
thinking by his pleading how he wanted to remove Ann from contact
with the boy and girl; so I hasten to write you. Kiss my precious
Mildred for her mother, and, Floyd, dear, see to it that she
doesn't stay up too late; for she is not strong. I cautioned
Katherine about it; but I'm afraid she might yield to the child's
entreaties.

"With fondest love to you, my darling, and to my baby and
Katherine, I am,

"Your own loving wife,
"FLEDRA."

The governor read and reread the letter, especially the part in which
his wife implored him to aid Horace Shellington. He laid it down with a
sigh. He well knew that Fledra's heart was tender toward all little ones
since the disappearance of her own. All hope that he would ever see his
twin children had left him years before, and now, for some moments, with
his hand on the envelop, his mind wandered into hidden places, where he
saw a boy and a girl growing to manhood and womanhood, and he groaned
deeply.

* * * * *

Later, when Everett Brimbecomb was ushered into his office at the
capital, the governor was primed with the sympathy that he had gathered
from his wife's letter.

"This is something of a surprise, my dear boy," he said. "I did not know
you were coming to Albany so soon."

"I came with a purpose," replied Everett; "for, as you know, my father
is away, and I need your advice in something."

Vandecar waited for his visitor to proceed.

"Do you see any reason," Everett stammered, "why two young lawyers
should not be friends, even if they have to take opposite sides in a
lawsuit?"

"No," replied the governor slowly.

"Then I'll lay the whole thing before you, and let you tell me what you
think of it."

"Have a cigar while we talk," broke in Vandecar, offering Everett his
case.

In silence they began to smoke, and both remained quiet until the
governor said:

"Now, explain it to m