A faint gleam of cunning hope appeared in Mr. Barnstable's eyes. "Then anything we--er--contributed could properly be charged to attorney's fees?" he said by way of thinking aloud. "Certainly--attorney's fees, services as agent, profit and loss, extraordinary expenses, machinery account, bad debts--there are a dozen ways of explaining the outlay. And no outlay may be necessary. A tip on the stock will do just as well." "Dear, dear," reiterated Mr. Barnstable. "It's a deplorable situation; deplorable and very awkward." "And the awkward part is, that we're a dead cock in the pit if we incline to virtue's side." Mr. Barnstable sighed deeply and drummed on his desk. Then he began to walk up and down. After a few moments he stopped short and said: "I shall have to lay it before my directors, Dowling." "Certainly, sir. But in general terms, I hope. A single--er--impractical man might block the situation until it was too late. Then the expense of remedying the blunder might be much greater." Mr. Barnstable inclined his head gravely. "I shall consult some of the wisest heads on the Board, and if in their opinion it is advisable to conciliate these blackmailers, a formal expression of approval will scarcely be necessary." A few days later the President sent for the Manager and waved him to a chair. His expression was grave--almost sad, yet resolute. His manner was dignified and cold. "We have considered," said he, "the matter of which we were speaking recently, and under the peculiar circumstances in which we are placed, and in view of the fact that the success of our bill and the defeat of the Underground Steam Company is necessary for the protection of the best interests of the public and the facilitation of honest corporate business enterprise, I am empowered to authorize you to take such steps, Mr. Dowling, as seem to you desirable and requisite for the proper protection of our interests." "Very good, sir. That is all that is necessary." There was a brief silence, during which Mr. Barnstable joined his finger-tips together and looked at the fire. Then he rose augustly, and putting out his hand with a repellant gesture said, "There is one thing I insist on, which is that I shall know nothing of the details of this disagreeable business. I leave the matter wholly in your hands, Dowling." "Oh, certainly, sir. And you may rely on my giving the cold shoulder to the rascals wherever it is possible for me to do so."