“Then, as I understand it,” the lawyer put in, “you destroyed the real deed of trust—”
“No, we didn’t exactly destroy it,” said Captain Hawkesbury, “but we didn’t put it on file.”
“It’s the same thing!” exclaimed the lawyer. “In other words, you converted this property to your own uses.”
“We sold it to the railroad,” Mr. Doolittle admitted.
“And now, since a complication has arisen, and since the railroad has made a demand on you to show them better authority than you have hitherto shown as owners and sellers of this land, you want me to take your case and help you out of a dilemma; is that it?” asked Mr. Royse.
“That’s it,” said Mr. Doolittle, eagerly. “We hear you are the best corporation lawyer in these parts, and so the captain and I planned to come to you. I don’t mind admitting that the railroad lawyer has made me nervous.”
“Will you take the case?” asked Captain Hawkesbury. “We will pay you well. You had better give him a retaining fee now, Mr. Doolittle.”
“He had better do nothing of the kind,” said Mr. Royse, with unexpected energy.
“Wha—what?” stammered Mr. Doolittle, and though Tom and Sam could only hear through the ventilation opening, and could not see, still they could fancy the look of surprise on the face of the crabbed, wealthy man. “Won’t you take a retaining fee? It’s usual.”
“Not with me—in a case like this.”