Bolton noted it down in his memorandum-book, and soon after the train ran into the station at Forty-second Street.

There was no time to be lost. Bolton made inquiries and obtained the name of a successful, go-ahead lawyer, having an office at 182 Nassau Street. He did not wait till the next day, but made a call that same evening at his house on Lexington Avenue.

Mr. Norcross, the lawyer, entered the parlor with Bolton's card in his hand and a puzzled expression on his face.

"Have I ever met you before, Mr. Bolton?" he asked.

"No, sir."

"Please state your business."

"I should like to enter your office. I am a lawyer with fifteen years experience."

"I should hardly think so, considering the strange, and I may say unprecedented, proposal you are making."

"I am quite aware that it seems so, but I can make it worth your while."

"How?"