Beemer took his departure, rather indignant at Ackerman for keeping him in the dark. But a few days afterward Hugh Garwood himself walked into Locke’s office.
“My name is Garwood,” he announced.
“I know you by sight,” said Locke. “Sit down, Mr. Garwood.”
Garwood sat down and looked at the lawyer from narrowed eyes. His face was an inscrutable mask. “You have made me a defendant in litigation of yours,” he said bluntly. “Why?”
“Because I believe you are financing the Central Lumber Company.”
“Can you prove that?” Garwood asked.
“I think so; at least I can put it up to you to disprove it.”
“Suppose I am financing it,” said Garwood after a pause. “Suppose this man-of-straw, Dingle, gets a judgment and his paltry damages are paid—what then?”
“Then he should be satisfied,” said Locke.
Garwood frowned impatiently. “You are a clever man, Locke. Give me credit for average intelligence, please.”