melodrama to appeal to a middle-aged lawyer like myself, however great
its appeal might be to youthful lovers. At any rate, I would be
certain that the need was very great before I consented to meddle
further!

Somewhat comforted by this resolution and by the thought that no real
harm had as yet been done, I struck a match and looked at my watch. It
was half-past eleven. Well, whatever the story was, Swain was hearing
it now, and I should hear it before long. And then I caught the hum of
an approaching car, and was momentarily blinded by the glare of
acetylene lamps.

"Hello, Lester," called Godfrey's voice, "I'll be back in a minute,"
and he ran the car on toward the rear of the house.

I stood up with a gasp of thankfulness. Here was someone to confide in
and advise with. The stretch of lonely waiting was at an end; it had
been a trying evening!

I think the warmth of my greeting surprised Godfrey, for he looked at
me curiously.

"Sit down, Godfrey," I said. "I've got something to tell you."

"What, discoveries already?" he laughed, but he drew a chair close to
mine and sat down. "Well, what are they?"

I began at the beginning and related the day's adventures. He listened
without comment, but I could see how his interest grew.