He shook hands quietly and took a seat beside Stuart's desk.
"I've come to make you an important proposition, Jim," Bivens began slowly, while his restless eyes looked up at the ceiling, and he pulled at the point of his beard. "We need another attorney. The business of the company is increasing so rapidly our force can't handle it. I need a big man close to me. If you'll take the place I'll give you a salary that will ultimately be as big as the President gets in the White House. Twenty thousand to start with."
"Why do you want me, Cal? There are thousands of lawyers here who would jump at the chance. Many of them are better equipped for such work than I am."
"Because I know that you won't lie to me, you won't swindle or take advantage of me----"
"Why not?" Stuart asked with a smile. "Isn't that the game? Why shouldn't I learn the tricks?"
"I see. You want to capitalize my character and use me to ambush the other fellow?"
"But that's not the real reason you come to me to-day with this proposition--is it?"
"Not the only one. You know my friendship for you is genuine. You know there's not a man in New York for whom I'd do as much as I will for you if you'll let me. Isn't that true?"
"I believe it--yes. And yet--there must be another reason. What is it?"
"Does it matter? I've made you the offer. If the salary isn't enough, name your figure."
"You're not afraid of Woodman and wish to reach him through me?" Stuart continued, ignoring his last answer.
The ghost of a smile flitted around the shining little black eyes.
"Afraid?" he asked contemptuously. "I'm not even interested in him. The old fossil's a joke. He thinks he can stop the progress of the world to attend a case of measles in Mott Street."
The financier leisurely lifted his right hand, removed the cigar from his mouth, and struck the ashes lightly with his finger. Stuart noticed how small his hand, how delicately shaped, how smooth and careful its movements. Beyond a doubt it was the hand of an expert thief. And yet this man, by an accident of birth, was a devout member of the church and complied with the written laws of modern society.
Stuart was silent a moment, watching the dark masked face before him. At last he blurted out: