"Wake up!" he said. "You're at the breakin' point; to-day is either the start or the finish for you, me lad. I can see it in your eye. There's just so much any man can stand, and you're at the end of your rope. Buck up, now! Don't play Macgowan's game for him; he's been tryin' all the while to wear you down, blast his soul! I know him. He figures that if he can devil you just so long, you'll go smash at last. And he's right--you will. But, me lad, hang on a bit longer. Don't play his game for him." Armstrong nodded soberly. This thought about Macgowan was new to him; he admitted its truth without demur. "You're right. I suppose I'm pretty close to the edge. Well, thanks for the advice! I'll hang on." Before the statehouse, Dorns left the taxicab. "Don't come with me, now. Come right after me. Where's his office?" "With that of the attorney general." "All right. Loaf along after me." Dorns swung up the steps, entered the building, with Armstrong in his wake. He went direct to Windsor's office and sent his card in to Windsor. A moment later, Windsor himself appeared with outstretched hand and welcoming smile. "Mr. Dorns? I'm very glad to meet you. This is an unexpected honor--" Dorns grunted. "Want to see you in private a minute." "Gladly. Come along!" When they stood inside Windsor's private office, Dorns regarded his man steadily, refused to sit down, and then spoke with a blunt directness. "I'm informed that you've been offered a job in New York, with the law firm of Milligan, Milligan, Hoyt & Brainard. Is that a fact or not?" Windsor's eyes widened slightly. "Eh? Sure, it's a fact. I wasn't aware that it had become widely known, however. I have accepted the offer, which does not go into effect for some months." "That's bad news--for you." Windsor sensed antagonism in that hard eye, and stiffened. A flush crept into his face. "What d'you mean by saying that?" he demanded sharply. Dorns jerked his head toward the door. "Armstrong's out there and wants to see you. If you don't let him in, you'll go up for conspiracy and for acceptin' a bribe--and I'll send you up, me lad! Macgowan is back o' that fine job in New York; he's a silent partner in this Milligan law firm. Lord help ye, Windsor, if this ever busts loose in the papers! Now, I know you're square. I know ye weren't aware to Macgowan's part in this. Going to see Armstrong or not? You're in a deep hole, me lad; crawl out of it quick!" Windsor stared at his informant; into his face crept a species of horrified comprehension. Those blunt words hit him like so many hammers, jarring the truth into him with smashing impact. Nor did he so much as protest the veracity of this information. "Dorns--is this a fact--about Macgowan?"