"I found them growing on an apple tree in Madison Square," he said.
The Judge nodded a smiling approval.
"At any rate," he submitted, "you will not mind telling me if any other person knows of their existence?"
"No, I don't mind. Except you and your friends and me and the apple tree, there is only one other person that knows as yet, and he's in no position to mention them." Luke rose as if to end the interview. "I've told nobody because I keep my bargains, Judge. But I do keep my bargains to the letter. You haven't convinced me, and you can't. I've given your clients——"
"My friends," Stein suavely corrected.
"Your friends, then; I've given them one month. If they don't do as I've suggested——"
The judge raised a hand gravely.
"I think you mean 'ordered,' Mr. Huber," said he.
"Thank you. Yes, of course, I meant 'ordered.' If they don't begin to do as I've ordered by one month from to-day, and do it in a way that convinces everybody of their intention to finish the job—yes, and their consciousness of guilt—I'll make those letters public."
The Judge remained seated. He looked at Luke sadly, and his voice rang true as he said: