in, if you'll excuse me, I have some papers
to arrange. Make yourself as comfortable as you can. I'm sure you won't
have to wait long."

Fifteen minutes later the rasping, arrogant "honk" of a motor horn came
from the road outside. Heavy, important steps sounded upon the office
platform. The door opened and in came Mr. E. Holliday Kendnick.

Captain Obed had known of the great man's expected arrival, but he
had not expected it so early in the day. E. Holliday wore a luxurious
fur-lined coat and looked as prosperous and important as ever, but
also--so it seemed to the captain--he looked disturbed and puzzled and
angry.

The captain rose to his feet and said, "Good morning," but except for
a nod of recognition, his greeting was unanswered. Mr. Kendrick slammed
the door behind him, stalked across the office, took a letter from his
pocket and threw it down upon his attorney's desk.

"What's the meaning of that?" he demanded.

John was perfectly calm. "Sit down, Mr. Kendrick," he said.

"No, I won't sit down. What the devil do you mean by sending me that
thing? You expected me, didn't you? You got my wire saying I was
coming."

"Yes, I got it. Sit down. I have a good deal to say and it may take some
time. Throw off your coat."

E. Holliday threw the fur coat open, but he did not remove it. He jerked
a chair forward and seated himself upon it.

"Now what does that thing mean?" he demanded, pointing to the envelope
he had tossed on the desk.

John picked up the envelope and opened it. A letter and a bank check
fell out.

"I will explain," he said quietly. "Mr. Kendrick, you know Captain Obed
Bangs, I think. Oh, it is all right. The captain is here at my request.
I asked him to be here. I wanted a reliable witness and he is reliable.
This," he went on, taking up the letter, "is a note I wrote you, Mr.
Kendrick. It states that I am resigning my position as your attorney.
And this," picking up the other paper, "is my check for five hundred
dollars, the amount of your retainer, which I am returning to you. . . .
You understand this so far, Captain?"

E. Holliday did not wait to hear whether the captain understood or not.
His big face flamed red.

"But what the devil?" he demanded.

John held up his hand.

"One moment, please," he said. "Captain Bangs, I want to explain a few
things. As you know, I have been acting as Mr. Kendrick's attorney in
the matter of the property occupied by Mrs. Barnes. He wished me to