"It is somewhat unusual, I presume," he said, "for attorneys to
receive calls on Sunday evening:--
"But this motto I hold as a part of my creed,
The better the day, why, the better the deed.
"Excuse me! Oh, no; it doesn't hurt. I've been composing extemporaneous
verse like that for fifteen years. Philosophy and rhyme are my forte.
I've had some narrow escapes to be sure, but I've never been deserted
by the muses. Now, as to my Sunday evening call. It seemed to be
somewhat of a necessity, as I understand that the evidence will be
closed in the Burnham case at the opening of court to-morrow. Am
I right?"
"It may be, and it may not be," said Sharpman, somewhat curtly. "I am
not acquainted with the plans of the defence. Are you interested in
the case?"
"Indirectly, yes. You see, Craft and I have been friends for a good
many years, we have exchanged confidences, and have matured plans
together. I am pretty well acquainted with the history of his
successes and his failures."
"Then it will please you to know that he is pretty certain to meet
with success in the Burnham suit."
"Yes? I am quite delighted to hear it:--
"Glad to know that wit and pluck
Bring their owner such good-luck.
"But, between you and me, the old gentleman has brought some faculties
to bear on this case besides wit and pluck."
"Ah, indeed?"
"Yes, indeed! You see, I knew all about this matter up to the time
the boy ran away. To tell the truth, the old man didn't treat the lad
just right, and I gave the little fellow a pointer on getting off.
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