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Kyne, Peter B. (Peter Bernard), 1880-1957

"The Valley of the Giants"

Cadman look up the relatives of a public
official! Well! Forward, men, follow me--to Henry's office."
Henry Poundstone, Junior, proved to be the sole inhabitant of one
rather bare office in the Cardigan Block. Buck had fully resolved to
give him a retainer of a thousand dollars, or even more, if he asked
for it, but after one look at Henry he cut the appropriation to two
hundred and fifty dollars. Young Mr. Poundstone was blonde and frail,
with large round spectacles, rabbit teeth, and the swiftly receding
chin of the terrapin. Moreover, he was in such a flutter of
anticipation over the arrival of his client that Buck deduced two
things--to wit, that the Mayor had telephoned Henry he was apt to
have a client, and that as a result of this miracle, Henry was in no
fit state to discuss the sordid subject of fees and retainers. Ergo,
Mr. Ogilvy decided to obviate such discussion now or in the future.
He handed Henry a check for two hundred and fifty dollars, which he
wrote out on the spot, and with his bright winning smile remarked:
"Now, Mr. Poundstone, we will proceed to business. That retainer
isn't a large one, I admit, but neither is the job I have for you to-
day. Later, if need of your services on a larger scale should
develop, we shall of course expect to make a new arrangement whereby
you will receive the customary retainer of all of our corporation
attorneys I trust that is quite satisfactory.


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