Hughes wishes her to hang." "She must have stolen it." "She says not, sir.""So say they all," Patrick murmured dryly. "Yes, well, can you attend the matter?""I think so, but she hoped to see you." "Is she on bail?""Yes. The hearing is set for the twenty-second.""Send 'round to Peale, requesting a continuance until after Christmas. Plead hardship, saying I shall be out of town. Anyone else?""Well, Mr. Rand was here quite early, but he would not say if he meant to return. Though he did seem a trifle out of sorts, I must say.""If he chooses not to take an appointment, I can scarce be held accountable for being here. Anything more on the Steele matter?""Every statement I have taken damns him further.""I was afraid of that." Patrick heaved himself up from the chair and reached for his beaver hat. "I shall be out for a while, so you will have to muddle through as best you can."The clerk's gaze dropped to the newspaper. "A terrible shame, isn't it? She ought to have at least finished paying us.""She paid enough.""Do you think it was divine retribution, sir?"Patrick shrugged.
