Nonresistance

"Nothing, I guess. He seems all right. Only I like to know about a
man----"

"How can I find out if you don't give me time?"

"All right, Ben. I guess he'll do. By the way, I'm starting for town
in ten minutes."

"What's the idea?"

"Ask the Parson. Have you any other news except that you killed that
Albany bunch of grafters?"

"No.... Yes! But it ain't good news. I was going to call you soon as
I waked up----"

"What's the trouble?"

"There ain't any trouble--yet. But a certain party has showed up
here--a very smooth young man whose business is hunting trouble. Get
me?"

After a silence Stull repeated: "Get me, Eddie?"

"No."

"Listen. A certain slippery party----"

"Who, damn it? Talk out. I'm in a hurry."

"Very well, then. Maxy Venem is here!"

The name of his wife's disbarred attorney sent a chill over Brandes.

"What's he doing in Saratoga?" he demanded.

"I'm trying to find out. He was to the races yesterday. He seen Doc.
Of course Doc hadn't laid eyes on you for a year. Oh, no, indeed!
Heard you was somewhere South, down and out. I don't guess Maxy was
fooled none. What we done here in Saratoga is growing too big to hush
up----"

"What we've done? Whad'ye mean, we? I told you to work by yourself
quietly, Ben, and keep me out of it."

"That's what I done. Didn't I circulate the news that you and me had
quit partnership? And even then you wouldn't take my advice. Oh, no.
You must show up here at the track with a young lady----"