He paused, and it seemed to Roger that he had gone away, back down the years, alone. In those crowded years, herded among men, he had learned to slip away, leave his gaunt, over-worked body to the crowd. Privacy was a spiritual possession, free to his will.
He jerked himself back with a motion of his bowed shoulders.
"Have you had any special training along any line?"
"Yes, I'm a lawyer."
"Great. We need——"
"But I'd rather not practice, anyhow not plead in court for a while. I don't feel that I understand enough about the thing as a whole. I want to soak in it, feel myself honestly a part before I undertake to defend men. Is that an out-of-the-way request?"
"It's an out-of-the-ordinary request. I wish more men felt as you do. There wouldn't be so many misunderstandings and shiftings around and party splits. I guess we can fit you in somewhere. How little can you work for?"
Roger did not answer instantly.
"Married?"
"Yes."