Murk admitted him, and the distinguished criminal lawyer sat in the window beside Prale, a grave expression on his face, his manner that of a disconcerted man. "I gather you do not bring good news, judging from your countenance," Prale said. "At least, I have not come to say that the case against you is any stronger," Coadley replied. "I'd like to speak to you alone, Mr. Prale." "Certainly. You may go into the other room, Murk, and remain until I call." Murk obeyed, and Sidney Prale bent forward in his chair and looked at the attorney again, wondering what this visit meant, what was coming, half fearing that the news would be ill after all. "Mr. Prale," Coadley said, "I have come here to your apartment to tell you that I wish you to get another attorney." "I beg your pardon!" Prale gasped. "I wish to withdraw from the case, Mr. Prale--that is all. An attorney does that frequently, you know." "But I want you to handle my case," Prale said. "I have been given to understand that you are one of the foremost criminal lawyers in the city. And you have done so much already----" "I insist that I withdraw, Mr. Prale. I shall be ethical. I shall give the man you name in my place all the knowledge at my command regarding this case, and I shall see that the change does not embarrass you or place you in jeopardy. The court will grant extensions if they are necessary." "Farland has given me to understand that my alibi now is of such a nature that the case against me may be dismissed. I had hoped that you had come here this morning to tell me so." "I fancy that any good attorney can get the charge dismissed," Coadley said. "But I do not want to be freed under a cloud. I want the public to be sure I did not kill Rufus Shepley--I want to have the public know the identity of the man who did." "That is what I thought, and that will take considerable time, perhaps," Coadley said. "And so I wish to withdraw----" "If it is a question of fee----" "Nothing of the sort, Mr. Prale. I am sure you would pay me any reasonable fee I asked. There is no question regarding your financial ability." "May I ask, then, why you desire to leave the case?" Sidney Prale asked. "I'd rather not state my reasons, Mr. Prale. Just let me withdraw, and make arrangements with the court, after you have named the man to take my place. The bail arrangement will stand, of course." "So you do not care to tell your reasons!" Prale said. "Mr. Coadley, a banker refused to handle my funds. A hotel manager ordered me out, you might say, for no good reason whatever. I understand that I have some powerful enemies who are working in the dark, and who cause these annoyances. Do you wish me to understand, Mr. Coadley, that they have been to see you? Do you wish me to think that you are under the thumbs of these persons, whoever they may be?" The attorney's face flushed, and he looked angry for an instant, but quickly controlled himself.