tellin' you on behalf of this young woman an'
myself that we think you an unmitigated cur. We are debarred from
sayin' so before your wife, but it's a pleasure to tell you so in
private. Is that quite clear?"

The oil broker flushed darkly. He made no answer. "You not only took
advantage of a young woman's tender heart. You were willin' our dead
uncle should bear the blame for it. Have you any other word than the
one I have used to suggest as a more fittin' one?" the Wyoming man
asked bitingly.

Jack answered for his brother. "Suppose we pass that count of the
indictment, unless you have a practical measure to suggest in
connection with it. We plead guilty."

There wag a little gleam of mirth in Kirby's eyes. "You an' I have
discussed the matter already, Jack. I regret I expressed my opinion so
vigorously then. We have nothin' practical to suggest, if you are
referrin' to any form of compensation. Esther is happily married,
thank God. All we want is to make it perfectly plain what we think of
Mr. James Cunningham."

James acknowledged this and answered. "That is quite clear. I may say
that I entirely concur in your estimate of my conduct. I might make
explanations, but I can make none that justify me to myself."

"In that case we may consider the subject closed, unless Miss McLean
has something to say."

Kirby turned to Rose. She looked at James Cunningham, and he might
have been the dirt under her feet. "I have nothing whatever to say,
Kirby. You express my sentiments exactly."

"Very well. Then we might open the door and invite in Miss Harriman.
There are others who should be along soon that have a claim also to be
present."

"What others?" asked Jack Cunningham.

"The other suspects in the case. I prefer to have them all here."

"Any one else?"

"The Chief of Police."

James looked at him hard. "This is not a private conference, then?"

"That's a matter of definitions. I have invited only those who have a
claim to be present," Kirby answered.

"To my office, I think."

"If you prefer the Chief's office we'll adjourn an' go there."

The broker shrugged. "Oh, very well."

Kirby stepped to the door connecting with an outer office and threw it
open. Mr. and Mrs. Hull, Olson, and the Chief of Police followed
Phyllis Harriman into the room. More chairs were brought in.

The Chief sat nearest the door, one leg thrown lazily across the other.
He had a fat brown cigar in his