“Peixada.—If Mrs. Judith Peixada, née Karon, widow of Bernard Peixada, Esquire, late of the city of New York, deceased, and formerly administratrix of the goods, chattels, and credits of said decedent, will communicate either personally or by letter with her brother-in-law, Benjamin Peixada, No.——-Reade Street, New York, she will learn something affecting the interests of her estate greatly to her advantage.”
“That, I think,” said Romer, “ought to be inserted in the principal newspapers of America, England, France, and Germany.”
“That’s what I call first-rate,” was Peixada’s comment.
Arthur held his peace.
“Well,” demanded Romer, “how does it strike you?”
Arthur deliberated; at length said, “Candidly, Romer, do you regard that as altogether square and above-board?”
“Why not? It’s a decoy. The use of decoys in dealing with criminals—this woman is a criminal, mind you; a murderess and practically a thief as well—the use of decoys in such cases is justified by a hundred precedents.”
“What’s the matter with you?” asked Peixada. “Nothing’s the matter with me,” retorted Arthur, a bit sharply; “but I must say, I think such a proceeding as this is pretty low.”
“Oh, come; no, you don’t,” urged Romer.
“I do. And what’s more, I won’t lend myself to it. If that advertisement appears in the papers, Mr. Peixada will have to retain another man in my place.”