n act would damage your case very
materially."

"I only wished to have your opinion upon the point. Nothing of the
sort has occurred. Well, gentlemen, I have decided to place my case in
your hands. Will five hundred dollars satisfy you as a retaining fee?"

"Certainly." Mr. Dudley tried hard not to let it appear that he had
never received so large a fee before. Dr. Medjora took a wallet from
his pocket and counted out the amount. Mr. Bliss arose from his chair
and started to leave the room, but as he touched the door knob the
Doctor turned sharply and said:

"Will you oblige me by not leaving the room?"

"Oh! Certainly!" replied Mr. Bliss, mystified, and returning to his
seat.

"Here, gentlemen, is the sum. I will take your receipt, if you please.
Now then, as to your advice. Shall I surrender myself to the District
Attorney, and so destroy argument number one, as you suggested?"

"But, Doctor," said Mr. Dudley, "you have not told us your defence."

"I am satisfied with the one which you have outlined. Should future
developments require it, I will tell you whatever you need to know, in
order to perfect your case. For the present I prefer to keep silent."

"Well, but really, unless you confide in your lawyers you materially
weaken your case."

"I have more at stake than you have, gentlemen! You will gain in
reputation, whatever may be the result. I risk my life. You must
permit me therefore to conduct myself as I think best."

"Oh! Certainly, if that is your wish. As to your surrendering
yourself, I strongly advise it, as you probably could not escape from
the city, and even if you did, you would undoubtedly be recaptured."

"There you are entirely wrong. Not only can I escape, as you term it,
but I would never be retaken."

"Then why take the risk of a trial? Innocent men have been convicted,
even when ably defended!"

"Yes, and guilty ones have escaped. But you ask why I do not leave New
York. I answer, because I wish to remain here. Were I to run away from
these charges, of course I should never be able to return."

"Then, Doctor, I advise you to surrender."

"I will adopt your advice. But not until the day after to-morrow. I
have some affairs to settle first."

"But you risk being captured by the detectives."

"I think not," said the Doctor, with a smile.

"Should we wish to communicate with you, where may we be able to find
you, Doctor?"

Doctor Medjora appeared not to have heard the question