Again, Noyes paused. He received the same signal, unknown to Tholbin. The lawyer resumed his discourse.
“Tholbin,” he said emphatically, “I am going to be frank with you! I have studied your past record — obtained from authentic sources. You have lived by your wits.”
“There’s nothing wrong about that.”
“Agreed. Your past has been unsavory, but it has only reached the borderline of crime.”
“They can’t jail me for anything I’ve done,” declared Tholbin tersely.
“No,” admitted Noyes, “you have been clever in your way. After all, cleverness is a virtue, if used with discretion. I take it that you have accumulated some resources?”
“Yes, I have money,” said Tholbin. “About fifteen thousand dollars. I can get more when I need it — and still keep clear of the borderline you have mentioned.”
“Mr. Waddell’s idea of wealth,” remarked the lawyer, “is based upon a minimum of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Tell me, Tholbin, do you think that you could accumulate that sum by your wits?”
“No,” replied Tholbin dejectedly.
“Mr. Waddell thinks of the past,” remarked Noyes. “He wants to see money— available money. I think of the future. I believe that a man who had two hundred and fifty thousand dollars could keep away from crime — even away from doubtful activities. Do you agree with me?”