I'm glad you
got my message and came early. I am expecting the other party at any
moment."
Captain Obed was puzzled.
"The other party?" he repeated. "What other party?"
"My--er--well, we'll call him my client. He is on his way here and I may
need you--as a witness."
"Witness? What to?"
"You will see. Now, Captain, if you'll excuse me, I have some papers
to arrange. Make yourself as comfortable as you can. I'm sure you won't
have to wait long."
Fifteen minutes later the rasping, arrogant "honk" of a motor horn came
from the road outside. Heavy, important steps sounded upon the office
platform. The door opened and in came Mr. E. Holliday Kendnick.
Captain Obed had known of the great man's expected arrival, but he
had not expected it so early in the day. E. Holliday wore a luxurious
fur-lined coat and looked as prosperous and important as ever, but
also--so it seemed to the captain--he looked disturbed and puzzled and
angry.
The captain rose to his feet and said, "Good morning," but except for
a nod of recognition, his greeting was unanswered. Mr. Kendrick slammed
the door behind him, stalked across the office, took a letter from his
pocket and threw it down upon his attorney's desk.
"What's the meaning of that?" he demanded.
John was perfectly calm. "Sit down, Mr. Kendrick," he said.
"No, I won't sit down. What the devil do you mean by sending me that
thing? You expected me, didn't you? You got my wire saying I was
coming.
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