"You mean to set about 'obliterating' Judge MacFarlane forthwith?" she asked.
"Assuredly. I have been whipping the thing into shape all afternoon: that is what kept me from dining with you."
"It involves some kind of legal procedure?"
"Yes; a rather complicated one."
"Could you explain it so that I could understand it?"
"I think so. In the first place the question is raised by means of an information or inquiry called a quo warranto. This is directed to the receiver, and is a demand to know by what authority he holds. Is it clear thus far?"
"Pellucidly," she said.
"In reply the receiver cites his authority, which is the order from Judge MacFarlane; and in our turn we proceed to show that the authority does not exist—that the judge's election was illegal and that therefore his acts are void. Do I make it plain?"
"You make it seem as though it were impossible to fail. And yet I know you will fail."
"How do you know it?"