"No, no, Grimsby—not this time. It's more serious than that. Hitherto the road has been unusually lucky in its bench decisions—"
The senator gave a covert glance round to see if any long ears were listening. Then he added:
"We can't expect always to get a favourable decision like that in the Cartwright case, when franchise rights valued at nearly five millions were at stake. Judge Stollmann proved himself a true friend in that affair."
Grimsby made a wry grimace as he retorted:
"Yes, and it was worth it to him. A Supreme Court judge don't get a cheque for $20,000 every day. That represents two years' pay."
"It might represent two years in jail if it were found out," said the senator with a forced laugh.
Grimsby saw an opportunity, and he could not resist the temptation.
Bluntly he said:
"As far as jail's concerned, others might be getting their deserts there too."
The senator looked keenly at Grimsby from under his white eyebrows.
Then in a calm, decisive tone he replied:
"It's no question of a cheque this time. The road could not buy Judge
Rossmore with $200,000. He is absolutely unapproachable in that way."