d prospered even beyond their early dreams of
avarice. It was their boast that during their partnership it had not
been necessary to open a law-book three times. There was always a way to
beat a case "on the facts," and they had learned the way. They kept no
books, and the pleasantest part of each day's business was the
five-o'clock adjournment to a neighboring saloon, where the partners had
punctiliously divided the millions which came to the firm during the
years of their successful association.

After a delay which proved more or less aggravating to Covington, he was
ushered into the presence of the "great" man. Levy endeavored to be
courteous in his reception, but Covington showed scant interest in
conventions. He plunged at once into the nature of his business, finding
Levy an interested and sympathetic listener. It was some minutes after
his caller ceased speaking that the silence was broken.

"Well," Covington said at length, coldly, "does the matter interest
you?"

"I was deliberating," the lawyer rejoined, almost as if in apology.

"Do you think you can discover anything of interest?"

Levy smiled blandly. "How can I say as yet?" he replied, conservatively.
"There are certain elements which might contain interesting and
promising details--a famous man married to a divorced woman twenty-five
years his junior. We might easily find enough so that if you cared to
push it he would prefer to make some concessions rather than suffer any
unpleasant notoriety; and she may have a past which she would do much to
keep forgotten. Yes, there are possibilities. Do you wish me to
investigate?"

"How long will it take?"

"It may require a fortnight; it may take six months."

"By that time you would know whether there was anything in it?"

"Assuredly."

"Then you may proceed. Advise me when you are ready to talk and I'll
come in again."

"There is one other matter," added Levy. "In case the affair develops,
it may be fairly expensive."

Covington looked at him curiously. "I presume so," he said. "Before we
get into it too far, I shall insist upon some understanding. I am not
your debtor yet, am I?"

"The investigation will entail some expense and time," Levy continued,
thoughtfully. "You might pay me--say, five thousand as a retainer."

"This is a business proposition, Mr. Levy," Covington reminded him,
sharply. "Thus far I have looked upon myself as a possible plaintiff in
the affair--not as a defendant. I am