"That is what I thought, and that will take considerable time, perhaps," Coadley said. "And so I wish to withdraw——"
"If it is a question of fee——"
"Nothing of the sort, Mr. Prale. I am sure you would pay me any reasonable fee I asked. There is no question regarding your financial ability."
"May I ask, then, why you desire to leave the case?" Sidney Prale asked.
"I'd rather not state my reasons, Mr. Prale. Just let me withdraw, and make arrangements with the court, after you have named the man to take my place. The bail arrangement will stand, of course."
"So you do not care to tell your reasons!" Prale said. "Mr. Coadley, a banker refused to handle my funds. A hotel manager ordered me out, you might say, for no good reason whatever. I understand that I have some powerful enemies who are working in the dark, and who cause these annoyances. Do you wish me to understand, Mr. Coadley, that they have been to see you? Do you wish me to think that you are under the thumbs of these persons, whoever they may be?"
The attorney's face flushed, and he looked angry for an instant, but quickly controlled himself.
"I do not care to go into details, Mr. Prale," he said.
"Then it is the truth!" Prale said. "The big criminal lawyer is not so big but that others can force him to do as they please."
"Let us say as I please, Mr. Prale."