"'It is better to quit. I do not care to press the case.'
"They looked at each other and at us suspiciously.
"Old Pierre then spoke up, saying:
"'My friend wishes to drop the case. I understand that he owes you part of your fee. What were you to pay them, Mr. Dodge?'
"I replied, 'Two hundred pounds.'
"'How much have you paid?'
"'Fifty pounds.'
"'Well, I know you have little money to waste on this case. These gentlemen have been paid well for what has been done thus far. If you need fifty pounds more to pay them off, I will loan the amount.'
"His proposition was promptly accepted. It was arranged that the case should be dismissed and the money paid. This was done.
"The Laniers now seemed anxious to get rid of me. I insisted on payment of the remaining nine hundred pounds. They expostulated with me; said it was outrageous; what good had I done them?