JACK. And look here! [Unfolds a paper, which has pasted on it bits of a torn and charred note.] He threw this in the fireplace, and it didn't burn. MONTAGUE. Bullen! JACK. In Grimes' own handwriting: "My Dear Porter--I will call"... you can see what that word was... "at eight-thirty. Very urgent." How's that? MONTAGUE. Man, it's ghastly! [A pause.] How did you manage to get these? JACK. It's a long story. MONTAGUE. How did Grimes work it? Money? JACK. Not a dollar. MONTAGUE. What then? JACK. Just bluffed him. Party loyalty! What was he named for? MONTAGUE. But in a suit like this! JACK. Never was a better test! If Hegan lost this case, he'd be wiped off the slate, and the organization might go down at the next election. And what were you put in for, judge Porter? Don't you see? MONTAGUE. I see! It takes my breath away! JACK. [Looking about.] And what a place for us to meet in! Did you see Grimes? MONTAGUE. Yes. JACK. I'll wager he came to tell Hegan about it. MONTAGUE. No doubt of it. JACK. God! I'd give one hand to have heard them! MONTAGUE. Don't wish that! It's embarrassing enough as it is! JACK. [Staring at him.] You'll see it through? You won't back out? MONTAGUE. Oh, I'll see it through... trust me for that. But it's devilish awkward! JACK. Why did you come here? MONTAGUE. I tried not to. But Miss Hegan insisted. JACK. [Laughing.] The same here! I was fair caught! MONTAGUE. And now she'll think we learned it here. I'll have to explain to her... JACK. What? MONTAGUE. I Must! JACK. No! [LAURA appears at windows, centre, and hears the rest, which is in excited tones.] It is not to be thought of! MONTAGUE. But I can't help it, man! Miss Hegan will think I've been eavesdropping! JACK. Do you realize what you're proposing, man? You'll ruin everything! We've got Grimes dead... we can land him in jail! But if Hegan heard any whisper of it, they'd balk everything! MONTAGUE. But how? JACK. They'd hold up the decision of the Court... MONTAGUE. Nonsense! With all that they'd stand to lose... LAURA. [Coming forward.] I beg pardon, Mr. Bullen. JACK. Oh! LAURA. I didn't wish to hear what you were saying. But I couldn't help it. I was caught unawares. [The three stare at each other.] It is something that involves my father. [Looking at the papers in BULLEN's hands.] Mr. Bullen has brought you some evidence. Is that so, Mr. Montague? MONTAGUE. [In a low voice.] Yes, Miss Hegan. LAURA. And you wished to take me into your confidence? MONTAGUE. I wished to make it impossible for you to think we had obtained this evidence in your home. LAURA. I See. MONTAGUE. You will do us the justice to recognize that we did not seek admission here. LAURA. Yes; I do that. [A pause.] All that I can say is, that if you think it best to take me into your confidence, you may trust me to the bitter end.