“I can’t say until I know the situation.” Here was opening before him the chance he had been working for, but Clifford managed to speak composedly. “If you don’t mind telling me, just how do things stand?” “If you know Jack, you know what his idea of living in New York was a year or six months ago. I couldn’t leave my affairs and come here to look after him. I ordered my lawyer, Mr. Loveman, to take whatever steps were necessary. It was absolutely essential that Jack should take a brace--” “Pardon me. Aside from the moral reasons, were there any other reasons for your wanting Jack to change his habits?” “There was, and still is, an engagement with a young woman back in Chicago. Not exactly an engagement, rather an understanding between the families. The match could not be more desirable; the young lady has everything.” “Pardon me--do I know the young lady you refer to?” “You may have heard of her. Her father is Sherwood Jones. She is Miss Maisie Jones.” “I have seen her picture in the illustrated Sunday supplements--among prominent young society girls.” “Then you can partially understand why I consider the match so desirable. But the family at that time objected, and still objects--until Jack proves that he has settled down. Three months ago I came East and delivered an ultimatum.” “In the presence of Jack alone?” Clifford put in gently. “No. Mr. Loveman had been doing his best to control the boy. Naturally he was present.” “And the ultimatum?” “I said that he either had to take a brace or I was through with him.” “Let’s see whether I get the general idea.” Clifford was moving forward carefully. “If Jack didn’t brace up, he’d have to earn his own money. On the other hand, if he did brace up, the idea was that he was to quit New York and marry the young lady you have referred to.” “That’s it exactly.” “Did you suggest any particular plan for his bracing up?” “I said he had to spend a period at some quiet place far away from New York.” “And what did Mr. Loveman think of this idea?” “He thought it was just the plan. In fact he said he knew the very place for Jack to go to--Pine Mountain Lodge.” “Then he suggested Pine Mountain Lodge?” “Yes.” Clifford was silent a moment. “You have told Mr. Loveman and Mr. Bradley of your intention to consult me?” “No.” “I suggest that you do not. Is there any other information you can give me?” “Nothing else that’s definite. But I suspect a lot, and I want to find out what’s doing. Will you take the case?” Clifford spoke guardedly, masking his dislike for the ruthless man before him. “I prefer not to consider myself retained by you until I am certain I can serve you. I’ll have to think the situation over, and let you know later.”