“You are singularly fortunate, Mr. Morley, to be able to indulge these magnanimous whims. Your resources I presume--” “My resources consist in a piece of real estate and a couple of race horses. That's about all that's left.” “The real estate?” Mr. Gooch looked encouraged. “City property?” “No, it's a farm.” “Where?” “On the Cane Run Road.” Noah's head appeared above the desk for the first time during the conversation and he looked surprised, as if he had made a discovery. “Adjoining your sister's property, I judge?” continued Mr. Gooch. “That's good, very good. It ought to bring about--?” “It's not for sale,” said Donald shortly. Mr. Gooch, who had emerged to the rim of his shell, promptly went in again. “You see, Mr. Gooch,” said Donald, leaning forward and speaking earnestly, “when you took this case I had no need to think of the financial end of it. I wanted to get the affair straight, and I didn't care a hang what it would cost. Since then things have changed. I think it's only fair to tell you that after I sell my horses and settle things up, there won't be more than a thousand dollars left. Will that cover your fee?” Mr. Gooch was visibly offended. “It is not my custom, sir, to name a sum in advance. There's a great deal of work on this case, of a very annoying nature. We might try to come under the amount stipulated, and in a pinch of course you could sell the real estate.” “No,” said Donald, “I shall not sell it. And I've got to know to-day what your terms will be. I've got work with the _Herald-Post_ as temporary correspondent at the Capitol. I'm going up there to-morrow, and will probably stay on until my case is called. I'd like to have your definite answer at once.” “Well, I didn't want the case in the beginning,” said Mr. Gooch. “It's the sort of thing I don't care for. I might be able to finish it for a thousand dollars, but I don't know that I'd care to commit myself.” “Very well,” said Donald, rising with spirit. “That means that I'll have to get another lawyer.” “You'll be making a mistake,” said Mr. Gooch, twisting his small features into a hard knot, and watching Donald closely. “It's a great risk to change lawyers in the middle of a case. There's a great deal at stake. You oughtn't to stand back on a question of money at a critical time like this.” “Good Lord, man! I'm not standing back on a question of money! I'd put up all I had if it was a million. Do you suppose I would have taken a job in Frankfort for ten dollars a week if I had any money?” “But you still hold property!” “I do, Mr. Gooch, and for reasons you could never understand I shall continue to hold it. Good day.” “Stop a minute!” Noah Wicker unfolded himself in sections, and got to his feet. “Suppose you let me take your case.” Donald and Mr. Gooch looked at him with equal amazement.