there. When I told
them to have the case dismissed they were much surprised.

"'A continuance can be procured on proper showing.'

"Pierre Lanier scowled, and looking at me, shook his head.

"I insisted upon its dismissal, as the witnesses could not be relied
upon. One solicitor said:

"'You have a complete chain of title deeds, and need no other witnesses,
except to prove their genuineness.'

"Old Pierre frowned, and I replied:

"'It is better to quit. I do not care to press the case.'

"They looked at each other and at us suspiciously.

"Old Pierre then spoke up, saying:

"'My friend wishes to drop the case. I understand that he owes you part
of your fee. What were you to pay them, Mr. Dodge?'

"I replied, 'Two hundred pounds.'

"'How much have you paid?'

"'Fifty pounds.'

"'Well, I know you have little money to waste on this case. These
gentlemen have been paid well for what has been done thus far. If you
need fifty pounds more to pay them off, I will loan the amount.'

"His proposition was promptly accepted. It was arranged that the case
should be dismissed and the money paid. This was done.

"The Laniers now seemed anxious to get rid of me. I insisted on payment
of the remaining nine hundred pounds. They expostulated with me; said it
was outrageous; what good had I done them?

"To my remark that I was to quit upon their advice, and had done so,
Pierre replied:

"'Yes, but who imagined Alice would be drowned?'

"Paul said:

"'You are suspected of putting her out of the way!'

"I was so angry that I looked straight at him, and said:

"'You know more about that than I do!'

"I have often been sorry for this thrust, but it went home. Paul grew
pale, and stared at me frightfully.

"'Here, boys, none of your foolish quarreling!' said Pierre. 'Mr. Dodge
is entitled under the contract to the money. It shall never be said that
Pierre Lanier failed to keep his word. We must stand by each other
whatever happens. Mr. Dodge has a family, and long as I live they shall
be provided for. I could beat him out of the money, as the contract was
illegal and void. He could be prosecuted for conspiracy and fraud. Mr.
Dodge will be suspected of murdering that man and girl. I have already
heard rumors to that effect. But we must stand together. It would never
do for Mr. Dodge to return home now. He must stay away from Calcutta a
year, at least. Paul and I will go to Calcutta. We will let you know all
that hap