"Now," said De Royster, when he and Roy were once more back in the former's room. "This is what I would do. I would consult a good lawyer, and let him advise me. I think this is too much for you to handle alone." "I believe you are right. Do you know a good lawyer?" "I can introduce you to the one who does business for our firm. He is very reliable, and his charges are reasonable." "Then we will go see him, after I have changed my clothes. Sleeping in them hasn't made them look exactly as new as they were." "That's a good idea. Have you heard from your father since writing to him about Annister?" "I don't know. Perhaps a letter came while I was away. I wonder where they would send it?" "They would keep it here until you gave them some instructions for forwarding it. I'll inquire at the desk for you while you are changing your clothes." As Roy had purchased two suits on coming to New York, he had a new one to put on, while the other was sent to be pressed. He had not finished dressing when De Royster came back. "No letters, but there's a telegram," he said, handing Roy the yellow envelope. The boy tore it open and read: "Letter received. No doubt Annister is swindler. You are doing right. Keep after him. Don't spare expense. Take property from his control, and give to some good man. I leave it to you. Answer when you get this." "Why this came yesterday," said Roy. "Dad will be wondering why he doesn't hear from me." "Then you had better answer at once. There is a branch telegraph office in the hotel lobby. Write an answer and I'll take it down while you finish dressing." A reply was soon prepared and sent. Meanwhile Roy got ready for the street and, accompanied by De Royster, he went to the lawyer's office. The legal gentleman greeted Mortimer De Royster cordially. Roy was quite surprised to find out how many friends the jewelry salesman had. Everyone seemed to like him in spite of his odd ways. Roy's story was soon told. The lawyer took off his gold spectacles, wiped them carefully with a silk handkerchief, replaced them, looked at Roy over the tops of them, and remarked: "Hum!" It was not very encouraging, nor did it tell very much. Roy began to fear he had not made himself clear. "I would like--" he began. "What you want is my advice as to how next to proceed; isn't it?" asked the lawyer, as though he had come to some decision, as indeed he had. "Yes, sir." "Well, I shall have to look into this matter of the property. Evidently Mr. Annister has some reason for wanting you out of the way. What it is we shall have to discover. Meanwhile you had better do nothing." "But suppose they kidnap him again?" asked De Royster. "I don't believe they'll dare do that. Perhaps you had better take care where you go, however. In the meanwhile I will make some inquiries about this property. I will communicate with you as soon as I have anything to report."