"Will the money come?" asked Martin.
"Undoubtedly."
"That's good. Ten thousand?"
"Yes."
"What did he say? He came to consult you, of course?"
"Yes."
"Well, what did he say?"
"More than I need take time to repeat. He is thoroughly frightened.
That is enough for you to know."
"Ten thousand," said Martin musingly, and speaking to himself. "Ten
thousand! That will do pretty well. But, if he will bleed for fifteen
thousand, why may I not set the spring of my lancet a little deeper. I
can make good use of my money."
"No--no," returned the lawyer quickly. "Ten thousand is enough. Don't
play the dog and the shadow. This is over-greediness."
"Well--well. Just as you say. I can make him another friendly call in
a year or so from this time."
The lawyer smiled in a way peculiar to himself, and then said--
"Hadn't you better be content with five thousand now. This goose will,
no doubt, lay golden eggs for some years to come."
"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," was the quick answer.
"I have gone in now for the ten thousand; and ten thousand I must
have. I may be content with a smaller sum at my next appearance."
"You are to see him at four o'clock?" said Grind.
"Yes; that was the hour I named. So you must get all the necessary
papers ready for me in time.
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