added, "but Carson is
involved in several criminal activities. I don't want to be present
when the crash comes; I don't want my evidence to convict him. I am
going to hide out where a summons-server cannot find me."

"Maybe you are right," said Townsend thoughtfully, "but there are some
things you should do before you leave. The crash will come, no doubt;
Carson's share of the estate will be charged with his criminal
actions; yours is not involved. Before you go, you should give to
someone a full power of attorney to take care of your interests. In
the midst of juggled accounts and forgeries, there may be something
left, and anyhow, the receivership cannot be closed without your
consent."

"You are right, as always, Fred, and you are the very person to have
that power. Let's get it done right away. I have another thing on hand
that must be taken care of after supper."

"When are you leaving, and have you enough money to get you out of
town?" asked Townsend as the two returned from across the hall where
the instrument had been notarized.

"I think I will leave tonight. The bubble may not burst for a while. I
want the public to become accustomed to my absence. As for money, when
I pay for my supper, I may have as much as forty cents left."

"You are braver than I thought and as stubborn as I suspected," said
Townsend as he searched his pocketbook. "Here's a twenty. That may get
you across the river and on your way. You will make your way all
right, but if your case becomes desperate draw on me under the name
A.Z., and I will understand. Your financial affairs are in desperate
condition but the case is not hopeless. You are young and healthy but
you lack a definite plan of life. If someone will throw you a line
while you are floundering in this slough you will come out all right.
Now what's this thing you are to do after the evening meal?"

"I've made a phone date to tell Anzio and his set of crooks what a
rotten set of gangsters they are. It won't take me long to tell 'em
and then I am ready to leave."

"You might not be able to make a get-away from those mobsters. Taking
an enemy for a final 'ride' is one of their favorite pastimes. And
anyhow, you can't tell 'em anything that they don't already know. You
have no right to do such an uncalled for thing."

"Oh, yes I have," said Shirley as he took his hat preparing to leave.
"My visit might precipitate an incident. Anyhow, I'm on my way."

Shirley left the offic