thing of the sort, Mr. Prale. I am sure you would pay me any
reasonable fee I asked. There is no question regarding your financial
ability."

"May I ask, then, why you desire to leave the case?" Sidney Prale asked.

"I'd rather not state my reasons, Mr. Prale. Just let me withdraw, and
make arrangements with the court, after you have named the man to take
my place. The bail arrangement will stand, of course."

"So you do not care to tell your reasons!" Prale said. "Mr. Coadley, a
banker refused to handle my funds. A hotel manager ordered me out, you
might say, for no good reason whatever. I understand that I have some
powerful enemies who are working in the dark, and who cause these
annoyances. Do you wish me to understand, Mr. Coadley, that they have
been to see you? Do you wish me to think that you are under the thumbs
of these persons, whoever they may be?"

The attorney's face flushed, and he looked angry for an instant, but
quickly controlled himself.

"I do not care to go into details, Mr. Prale," he said.

"Then it is the truth!" Prale said. "The big criminal lawyer is not so
big but that others can force him to do as they please."

"Let us say as I please, Mr. Prale."

"Then you think that you have a good reason for withdrawing?"

"I do."

"In other words, something has been told you that convinced you I am not
a fit client. Is that it? And, instead of telling me what it is, and
giving me a chance to refute the charge or explain, you simply take the
easiest course and believe my enemies. Do you call that an example of
the square deal?"

"Let us not talk about it further, Mr. Prale," Coadley replied. "I feel
quite sure that you have a complete understanding of the situation."

"But I have not! I seem to be able to understand nothing in regard to
this affair of which I am the central figure. I would give half my
fortune, I believe, to have an explanation and be able to set things
right."

"No doubt you would be willing to give half your fortune to set things
right!" Coadley said. "It is your privilege, of course, to say that you
do not understand. Mr. Prale, you must see that this interview is
painful to me, and it must be painful to you. Why prolong it?"

"As far as I am concerned, this interview may be terminated at once,
sir!" Sidney Prale exclaimed. "I'll send you a check for your services
as soon as you submit your bill; and please do not neglect to do so at
once. I'll inform you as soon as p