“That sounds like the truth, Mr. Hale.” “I think you’ve struck it, Ben; but it’s such an amazing thing that it seems incredible. He’s shrewd, but he’s overreached this time. Yes. For a man of his means to tamper with the records for the sake of the money you expect to make! To what length will not money-grasping take a man!” “What are you going to do about it, Mr. Hale?” Ben could not resist asking the question. “I’m going to have a microscopic examination made of the records, and if what we think is so, he shall pay dearly”--he brought his fist down on the desk in front of him--“for his bad work. I’ve got several old scores to his account that I’d like to settle.” “How long will it take?” “To make the examination? About five minutes.” “What a weapon it will be!” “Exactly. But you must cultivate patience when you have anything to do with the law.” “Do you think he’s alone in the matter? I mean do you think he did it himself?” “No. Undoubtedly he hired some one to do it. We must find his tool.” Mr. Hale was as eager as a sportsman when he has caught sight of his game. “We can get the Grand Jury after him--if it’s true,” he gleefully added. Ben rose. “Then there is nothing to do at present but--” “Wait,” supplied Mr. Hale, smiling. “Come in to-morrow at this time. I may have some news.” Ben resolved not to tell Mundon of the new developments in the case until he knew the result of Mr. Hale’s investigation. It was hard work keeping the new hope to himself. Mundon was so depressed that Ben longed to brighten him with the story of the day’s events. On the afternoon of the following day Ben found himself impatiently awaiting Mr. Hale’s return from court. When he caught sight of the latter’s beaming face he knew that the result was favorable. “It’s all right, my boy,” the lawyer exclaimed. “It’s just as we thought. I’ll have you mining again, before you’re many days older.” “The dates had been changed?” Ben’s voice was a little uncertain. “Yes--and a bad, bungling job they made of it, too. I’m surprised my clerk didn’t notice it in the first place. But, of course, he wasn’t looking for such sharp work as that. By the way, I told a reporter on the _Gazette_--you know they keep a man around the City Hall on the lookout for news--who came to see what my expert was about.” “Then it’ll be in the papers.” “Well, I told him all he wanted to know. You’re not afraid of the papers, are you?” “No,--I’ve done nothing that I’m ashamed of.” “Exactly. To-morrow morning Mr. Fish’s large circle of enemies will read with pleasure that he has been caught at last.” “There’s another reason why I’m glad the whole story’s going into print.” “About that opium business?” “Yes. I think it will clear me from any suspicion of being connected with the ring. I’d like the real reason to be known for my being in Ng Quong’s house.” “Well, ’twill be now.”