After a delay which proved more or less aggravating to Covington, he was ushered into the presence of the "great" man. Levy endeavored to be courteous in his reception, but Covington showed scant interest in conventions. He plunged at once into the nature of his business, finding Levy an interested and sympathetic listener. It was some minutes after his caller ceased speaking that the silence was broken. "Well," Covington said at length, coldly, "does the matter interest you?" "I was deliberating," the lawyer rejoined, almost as if in apology. "Do you think you can discover anything of interest?" Levy smiled blandly. "How can I say as yet?" he replied, conservatively. "There are certain elements which might contain interesting and promising details--a famous man married to a divorced woman twenty-five years his junior. We might easily find enough so that if you cared to push it he would prefer to make some concessions rather than suffer any unpleasant notoriety; and she may have a past which she would do much to keep forgotten. Yes, there are possibilities. Do you wish me to investigate?" "How long will it take?" "It may require a fortnight; it may take six months." "By that time you would know whether there was anything in it?" "Assuredly." "Then you may proceed. Advise me when you are ready to talk and I'll come in again." "There is one other matter," added Levy. "In case the affair develops, it may be fairly expensive." Covington looked at him curiously. "I presume so," he said. "Before we get into it too far, I shall insist upon some understanding. I am not your debtor yet, am I?" "The investigation will entail some expense and time," Levy continued, thoughtfully. "You might pay me--say, five thousand as a retainer." "This is a business proposition, Mr. Levy," Covington reminded him, sharply. "Thus far I have looked upon myself as a possible plaintiff in the affair--not as a defendant. I am not obliged to proceed in the matter, and will drop it right here if you propose to start in by trying extortion on me." Levy was grieved that any one should so misconstrue his motives. "This isn't a childish play we're going into, Mr. Covington," he replied, mildly. "Gorham is big game, and I presume you expect to gain something out of this little affair." "You presume too much," Covington said, shortly. "Comments are neither asked for nor desired. If you wish to do this work for me, I will pay you a fair price--yes, a high price--for your services, but no blood-money. I'll pay you a thousand dollars now as a retainer; I'll pay all reasonable expenses and four thousand dollars more in case you find anything of interest to me. Then, if I decide to use the information later, I'll make a trade with you at that time on the basis of what it is worth. Do you care to accept the case on these terms?" "The conditions are most unusual," Levy wavered.