"I only ask that you allow me to return the value of your jewels and drop the whole affair."
Bivens's eyes narrowed and his mouth tightened viciously.
"Can the District Attorney of the County of New York compound a felony?"
"I resigned my office this morning."
Bivens tried to seize Stuart's hand, forgetting for a moment the jewels in the bigger announcement which meant the acceptance of his offer.
He spoke in low excited tones.
"Congratulations!"
Stuart waved aside the extended hand with a gesture of annoyance.
"You'll drop this case, of course, at my request?"
Bivens looked at the bowed figure crouching in forlorn indifference before him with a smile and replied quickly: