"Perfectly," replied Kenneth stiffly. "Convey my compliments to Mr. Lapelle and say to him that I overlook the irregularity and will be glad to meet him at any time and any place." "I know it's irregular," admitted Mr. Trentman, with an apologetic wave of the hand, "but he was in some doubt as to who might have the honour to act for you, Mr. Gwynne, so he suggested that I come to you direct. If you will oblige me with the name of the friend who is to act as your second, I will make a point of apologizing for having accosted you in this manner, and also perfect the details with him." "I haven't given the matter a moment's thought," said Kenneth, frowning. "Day after to-morrow morning, you say?" "Yes, sir." "Can't you arrange it for to-morrow morning?" Mr. Trentman spread out his hands in a deprecatory manner. "In view of the fact that you are expected to appear in court at nine to-morrow morning to defend an unfortunate girl, Mr. Lapelle feels that he would be doing your client a very grave injustice if he killed her lawyer--er--a trifle prematurely, you might say. He has confided to me that he is the young woman's friend and can't bear the thought of having her chances jeopardized by--" "Pardon me, Mr. Trentman," interrupted Kenneth shortly. "Both of you are uncommonly thoughtful and considerate. Now that I am reminded of my pleasant little encounter with Mr. Lapelle this morning, I am constrained to remark that I have had all the satisfaction I desire. You may say to him that I am a gentleman and not in the habit of fighting duels with horse-thieves." Mr. Trentman started. His vaunted aplomb sustained a sharp spasm that left him with a slightly fallen jaw. "Am I to understand, sir, that you are referring to my friend as a horse-thief?" he demanded, bridling. "I merely asked you to take that message to him," said Kenneth coolly. "I might add cattle-thief, sheep-stealer, hog-thief or--" "Why, good God, sir," gasped Mr. Trentman, "he'd shoot you down like a dog if I--" "You may also tell Mr. Lapelle that his bosom friend Martin Hawk is in jail." "Well, what of it?" "Does Lapelle know that Martin is in jail?" "Certainly,--and he says he ought to be hung. That's what he thinks of Hawk. A man that would sell his own--" "Hawk is in jail for stock-stealing, Mr. Trentman." "What's that got to do with the case? What's that got to do with your calling my friend a horse-thief?" "A whole lot, sir. You will probably find out before the day is over that you are harbouring and concealing a thief down there in your shanty, and you may thank Martin Hawk for the information in case you prefer not to accept the word of a gentleman. If you were to come to me as a client seeking counsel, I should not hesitate to advise you,--as your lawyer,--that there is a law against harbouring criminals and that you are laying yourself open to prosecution." Trentman dubiously felt of his chin.