"That is correct," acknowledged Keith. "We have called to inform you of a fact that perhaps escaped your notice: namely, that these gentlemen and myself have been appointed by the Legislature as commissioners to manage the funded debt of the city; that, for that purpose, title of all city lands has been put in our hands." "No, I did not know that," said Keith. "Therefore, you see," went on Geary, "the sheriff cannot pass title to any lots that might be sold to satisfy Doctor Jones's judgment." Keith pondered, his alert mind seizing with avidity on this new and interesting situation. "No, I cannot quite see that," he said at last; "the actual title is in the city. It owns its property. You gentlemen do not claim to own it, as individuals. You have delegated to you the power to pass title, just as the sheriff and one or two others have that power; but you have not the _sole_ power." "We have advice that title conveyed under this judgment will be invalid." "That is a matter for the courts to settle." "The courts----" began Hooper explosively, but Geary overrode him. "If all the creditors of the city were to adopt the course pursued by Doctor Jones, the city would soon be bankrupt of resources." "That is true," agreed Keith. "Then cannot I appeal to your sense of civic patriotism?" "Gentlemen," replied Keith, "you seem to forget that in this matter I am not acting for myself, but for a client. If it were my affair, I might feel inclined to discuss the matter with you more in detail. But I am only an agent." "But----" interrupted Hooper again. "That is quite true," interjected James King of William. "Well, we shall see your client," went on Geary, "But I might state that on the side of his own best interests he would do well to go slow. There is at least a considerable doubt as to the legality of this sale. It is unlikely that people will care to bid." After some further polite conversation they took their leave. Keith quickly discovered that the opinion held by the commissioners was shared by most of his friends. They acknowledged the brilliance of his legal victory, admired it heartily, and congratulated him; but they considered that victory barren. "Nobody will buy; you won't get two bits a lot bid," they all told him. Little Doctor Jones came to him much depressed. The commissioners had talked with him. "Do you want my advice?" asked Keith, "Then do this: stick to your guns." But little Jones was scared. "I want my money," said he; "perhaps I'd better take those bonds after all." "Look here," suddenly said Keith, who had been making up his mind. "I'll guarantee you the full amount in cash, within, say, two weeks, but only on this condition: that you go out now, and spread it about everywhere that you are going to stand pat. Tell 'em all you are going to push through this sale." "How do I know----"