"Don't do it before the magistrate," the lawyer advised. "He is sure to hold you, and it will only make the matter more prominent. You're playing into Lorraine's hands by doing it. For some reason, he seems to want the facts aired. So it's your policy to suppress them—no matter if you're as innocent as to-morrow. A woman is involved—and you must submit to a few adverse inferences for the general good of your cause. Society will forgive much in such a case, if you're quiet—it will never forgive you if you make a fight."
"That is your advice?"
"On general principles, yes," Dalton replied.
"There is force in your argument," Porshinger admitted. "However, I don't know—let the magistrate fix the hearing—we can waive it any time before, I suppose?"
"You will have to come around here and renew your bail," said Dalton.
"Why is that?"
"If you waive the hearing you give bail for court; if you don't waive the hearing your bail will be to appear before the magistrate at a time fixed."
"Hell!" exclaimed Porshinger, "I don't want to come here again, if I concluded not to go to a hearing.—Well, waive the hearing. We can give the Lorraines all they want in court—and something more."
They entered the rear office where the magistrate was awaiting them. Porshinger was introduced, he waived the hearing; the bail was quickly arranged—one thousand dollars for appearance at the next term of court; Dalton and he signed it; and they went out.