“But what? Will you say that the judge is an invalid? or that his family connection with the affair should exempt him?” “Ye-yes; either or both. That is about what I was going to say.” “Waiving the first objection,--the judge is a good deal better than a sick man,--the second is precisely the reason why he should be willing to offer his services--why he must offer them.” “How so?” “Because the thing happened while Brant was in the service of the family. You know what I mean.” “I do; but I’d like to know how you found it out.” Forsyth laughed. “You have forgotten that you told Jarvis the whole story last night. But no matter about that: don’t you see the judge’s necessity now?” “Yes, I don’t know but I do. But supposing the judge doesn’t see it?” “He must be made to see it; and that brings me up to date. You know him well; can’t you undertake to enlist him?” “Frankly, I can’t; and you have given the reason: I know him too well. He has been a second father to me since my own died.” “All right; I didn’t know,” said the editor, rising to go. “Somebody has it to do, and I thought perhaps you might be able to do it best.” “Who else have you in mind?” “Nobody. I am going to tackle him myself.” “You?” “Yes. Why not? I know the facts, and not being a personal friend, I sha’n’t scruple to use them. I am going over there now. Will you come along?” “Not unless you make a point of it. I should only hamper you.” “I don’t make a point of it. Let me see; the house is Number Sixteen, isn’t it?” “Yes, Altamont Terrace. Don’t be too savage with him, Forsyth. He has had lots of grief lately.” “He will have more if he shirks in this affair. But I sha’n’t be any harsher with him than I have to be.” Half an hour later Forsyth rang the Hollywood door bell, and sent his card to the judge, who presently received his visitor in the library. “I am right glad to see you, Mr. Forsyth,” he said, rising and shaking hands cordially with the editor. “No, don’t apologize for coming; you are very welcome. Be seated.” Forsyth took the proffered chair and plunged at once into the midst of his errand. “It is about Brant, as you will infer. Yesterday you asked me to try again to make him listen to reason in the matter of employing counsel. I have tried thrice, and failed.” “Does he still refuse to give his reasons?” “He does.” “And is he fully aware of the probable consequences?” “As fully aware as we are.” “H’m! that is bad. Have you anything to suggest, Mr. Forsyth?” “Yes. There is one person whose services he can not well decline.” “There is? And who is this person?” “Yourself.” The judge rose quickly and went to the window, turning his back upon his visitor. It was full five minutes before he spoke again, and the editor waited patiently.