CHAPTER XIX
COADLEY QUITS
Murk, compelled to ride back to the city in the taxicab with Marie,spent the time in ordinary conversation with the amazon, and toldhimself repeatedly that she was a great woman, a dangerous state of mindfor a bachelor.
The only reason Murk wanted to remain in the vicinity of the cottage wasto catch a sight of the countenance of the man who had worn the mask. Asfar as the cottage itself was concerned, he had noticed a signboard on astreet corner not far from it, and he would be able to locate it againif Sidney Prale or Jim Farland thought it necessary.
Marie stopped the taxicab near the Park, and Murk got out and gallantlyoffered to pay the bill for his enemy, but Marie would not allow it.
"Hope to see you often and get to know you better when this little scrapis over," Murk made bold to say, and then, chuckling at her retort, hestarted walking down the street.
He did not care to ride, for it was not so very many blocks to thehotel, and Murk wanted time to formulate in his mind the report heintended to make to his employer.
Prale was waiting for him, and Murk told his story in detail and withoutembellishment.
"So Kate Gilbert had you freed, did she?" Prale said. "And she told theothers that she would quit them if they used any more violence? Murk,old boy, when our foes begin fighting in their own camp it is time forus to begin to hope. A house divided against itself cannot stand, as youprobably have heard."
"She certainly panned the man who wore the handkerchief over his face,"Murk said. "I think I'd know him again, boss. He talked a good deal,remember, and he got careless toward the last and used his regularvoice. And I watched his hands--boob didn't have sense enough to weargloves. Anybody but a boob would know that a hand can be recognized aseasy as a face."
"Let us hope that they make a lot of mistakes like that, Murk," Pralereplied. "I'll be glad if we ever solve this confounded mystery. It'sgetting on my nerves."
They remained up until one o'clock in the morning, but Jim Farlandneither visited the hotel again nor called them up, and so they went tobed.
They did not rise early, but had breakfast in the suite and took theirtime about eating it. After that, they waited for Farland to arrive ortelephone and give orders and tell news. Farland did not come, butAttorney Coadley did.
Murk admitted him, and the distinguished criminal lawyer sat in thewindow beside Prale, a grave expression on his face, his manner that ofa disconcerted man.
"I gather you do not bring good news, judging from your countenance,"Prale said.
"At least, I have not come to say that the case against you is anystronger," Coadley replied. "I'd like to speak to you alone, Mr. Prale."
"Certainly. You may go into the other room, Murk, and remain until Icall."
Murk obeyed, and Sidney Prale bent forward in his chair and looked atthe attorney again, wondering what this visit meant, what was coming,half fearing that the news would be ill after all.
"Mr. Prale," Coadley said, "I have come here to your apartment to tellyou that I wish you to get another attorney."
"I beg your pardon!" Prale gasped.
"I wish to withdraw from the case, Mr. Prale--that is all. An attorneydoes that frequently, you know."
"But I want you to handle my case," Prale said. "I have been given tounderstand that you are one of the foremost criminal lawyers in thecity. And you have done so much already----"
"I insist that I withdraw, Mr. Prale. I shall be ethical. I shall givethe man you name in my place all the knowledge at my command regardingthis case, and I shall see that the change does not embarrass you orplace you in jeopardy. The court will grant extensions if they arenecessary."
"Farland has given me to understand that my alibi now is of such anature that the case against me may be dismissed. I had hoped that youhad come here this morning to tell me so."
"I fancy that any good attorney can get the charge dismissed," Coadleysaid.
"But I do not want to be freed under a cloud. I want the public to besure I did not kill Rufus Shepley--I want to have the public know theidentity of the man who did."
"That is what I thought, and that will take considerable time, perhaps,"Coadley said. "And so I wish to withdraw----"
"If it is a question of fee----"
"Nothing of the sort, Mr. Prale. I am sure you would pay me anyreasonable fee I asked. There is no question regarding your financialability."
"May I ask, then, why you desire to leave the case?" Sidney Prale asked.
"I'd rather not state my reasons, Mr. Prale. Just let me withdraw, andmake arrangements with the court, after you have named the man to takemy place. The bail arrangement will stand, of course."
"So you do not care to tell your reasons!" Prale said. "Mr. Coadley, abanker refused to handle my funds. A hotel manager ordered me out, youmight say, for no good reason whatever. I understand that I have somepowerful enemies who are working in the dark, and who cause theseannoyances. Do you wish me to understand, Mr. Coadley, that they havebeen to see you? Do you wish me to think that you are under the thumbsof these persons, whoever they may be?"
The attorney's face flushed, and he looked angry for an instant, butquickly controlled himself.
"I do not care to go into details, Mr. Prale," he said.
"Then it is the truth!" Prale said. "The big criminal lawyer is not sobig but that others can force him to do as they please."
"Let us say as I please, Mr. Prale."
"Then you think that you have a good reason for withdrawing?"
"I do."
"In other words, something has been told you that convinced you I am nota fit client. Is that it? And, instead of telling me what it is, andgiving me a chance to refute the charge or explain, you simply take theeasiest course and believe my enemies. Do you call that an example ofthe square deal?"
"Let us not talk about it further, Mr. Prale," Coadley replied. "I feelquite sure that you have a complete understanding of the situation."
"But I have not! I seem to be able to understand nothing in regard tothis affair of which I am the central figure. I would give half myfortune, I believe, to have an explanation and be able to set thingsright."
"No doubt you would be willing to give half your fortune to set thingsright!" Coadley said. "It is your privilege, of course, to say that youdo not understand. Mr. Prale, you must see that this interview ispainful to me, and it must be painful to you. Why prolong it?"
"As far as I am concerned, this interview may be terminated at once,sir!" Sidney Prale exclaimed. "I'll send you a check for your servicesas soon as you submit your bill; and please do not neglect to do so atonce. I'll inform you as soon as possible of the name of the man Iselect to fill your legal shoes in this matter. That is satisfactory?Very well. Murk!"
Murk hurried in from the adjoining room when he heard Sidney Prale'scall.
"Show Mr. Coadley to the hall door, Murk!" Sidney Prale said. "And whileyou are about it, please close that ventilator in the corner of theroom. It creates a draft, I am sure, and Mr. Coadley already has coldfeet!"
The attorney glared at Prale, and then got up and walked quickly acrossto the door, which the grinning Murk held open to let him pass out.
The Brand of Silence Page 19