The windows of the lawyer's private sanctum commanded magnificent views of the city to south and west, and in that marvelously clear air the Statue of Liberty seemed to be little more than a mile away, while the villas of Montclair and houses on other heights in the neighboring State were distinctly visible.
Steingall and his friends were the first to arrive, and Schmidt received them with the air of armed neutrality a lawyer displays towards the opposite camp.

He begged them to be seated, smiled pleasantly when Curtis asked to be allowed to admire the interesting panorama spread before his eyes, but gave Devar a contemplative look when Steingall introduced him.
"Mr.Howard Devar, son of my friend William B.Devar ?" he asked.
"Yes," said Devar, feeling that this was safe ground.

"My father and you put it that way since you pulled off the Saskatchewan Combine together, but I've heard him describe you differently." Schmidt, who looked more egg-like than ever at this hour of the morning, disapproved of such flippancy.
"William B.Devar is a fair fighter," he said.

"He gives and takes hard knocks with perfect good humor.

But, may I inquire how you come to figure in a matter which, if I understand aright a message received from Mr.Steingall, concerns persons with whom you can have little in common ?" "It was a mere toss-up whether I or my friend, John Delancy Curtis, took the floor against the combination of noble lords who have retained you to look after their interests, or protect them, I ought to say; but fate favored him, so I am a mere bottle-holder.