a lost cause. I went to the
family lawyer when I returned from my army service, and he charged me
five dollars for advising me to let the matter go. He said that law
was law, and that the whole matter had been ended, that I had no
recourse. I think I'll just stick to my work, and let my uncle get
what pleasure he can out of his treatment of me."

"That is a great mistake. If he was your family lawyer, it is very
possible that your uncle anticipated your going to him. And some
lawyers have elastic notions of what is possible--depending upon the
size of your fee. Now, I have a young friend down town. He is a
patent lawyer, and I trust him. Why don't you let him look into this
matter. I have given him other cases before, through my connections
with the Greshams. He proved honorable and energetic. Let me write
you out a letter of introduction."

"Perhaps you are right. I appreciate your advice and it will do no
harm to let him try his best," said Bobbie. "I'll give him the facts
and let him investigate matters."

The old man wrote a note while Burke and Mary became better acquainted.
Even in her attempt to speak gaily and happily, Bobbie could discern
her worriment. As Barton finished his writing, handing the envelope to
Burke, the younger man decided to take a little initiative of his own.

"It's late, Mr. Barton. I have had a pleasant evening, and I hope I
may have many more. But you know I promised Doctor MacFarland, the
police surgeon, that I would go to bed early on the days when I was off
duty. So I had better be getting back down town."

They protested cordially, but Bobbie was soon out on the street,
walking toward the Subway.

He did not take the train for his own neighborhood, however. Instead
he boarded a local which stopped at Sixty-sixth Street, the heart of
what is called the "New Tenderloin."

In this district are dozens of dance halls, flashy restaurants and
_cafes chantantes_. A block from the Subway exit was the well-known
establishment called "Dawley's." This was the destination of Baxter
and Craig, with Lorna Barton. Bobbie thought it well to take an
observation of the social activities of these two young men.

He entered the big, glittering room, his coat and hat rudely jerked
from his arms by a Greek check boy, at the doorway, without the useless
formula of request.

The tables were arranged about the walls, leaving an open space in the
center for dancing. Nearly every