y!" the older man cried, seizing Stuart's hand. "You can't
fail. That's why I'm going to risk all in my fight."

"But the cases are not the same."

"No, I'm old and played out--my life's sands are nearly run, I haven't
much to risk--but such as I have I offer it freely to God and my
country. I envy you the opportunity to make a greater sacrifice--and
you advise me to compromise for a paltry sum of money a righteous cause
merely to save my own skin while you tell me in the same breath that
you are just entering the lists against the one unconquerable group of
financial buccaneers in America and that you've set your life on the
issue."

The doctor seized Stuart's hand, wrung it and laughed.

"Congratulations, my boy--I'm proud of you--proud that you live in my
house, proud that I've known and loved you, and tried to teach you the
joy and the foolishness of throwing your life away!"

With a wave of his hand the stalwart figure of the old man passed out
and left him brooding in sorrowful silence.

"If the doctor and Harriet were only out of this!" he exclaimed. "It
makes me sick to think of the future!"

He picked up Nan's unanswered letter and read it again and the faint
perfume of the delicate paper stole into his heart with a thousand
aching memories.

He seized his pen at last, set his face like flint and resolutely wrote
his answer:

Dear Nan:

Your letter is very kind. I'll be honest and tell you that it has
stirred memories I've tried to kill and can't. I hate to say no,
but I must.

Sincerely,

JIM.

As he drew down the door of the letter box on the corner to post this
reply he paused a moment. A wave of desperate longing swept his heart.

"My God! I must see her!" he cried in anguish.

And then the strong square jaw came together and the struggle was over.
He dropped the letter in the box, turned and walked slowly home.

CHAPTER II

AN INTRUDER

On the night following Stuart worked late in his office, developing his
great case. He was disappointed in the final showing of the evidence to
be presented to the Grand Jury. His facts were not as strong as he
expected to make them.

At ten o'clock he quit work and hurried home to refresh his tired
spirit with Harriet's music. He could think more clearly while she
played for him.

As he hurried up the steps he suddenly collided with a handsome young
fell