Bribery, for instance; extortion and many other offences, where the law does not refrain from punishing the one because the other is equally guilty.

But the cases differ in that, in bribery, the briber is seeking to influence the acts of an official; and, in extortion, the law imputes an element of force which is supposed to overcome the will of the person paying the money.

I am not so clear on your usury.

Still, I believe there is a fighting chance to win the case on my theory." "If you think so," grumbled Gottlieb, "you had better argue it yourself before the Court of Appeals." "Very well," said I.

"Nothing will give me greater pleasure." It was with some trepidation, however, that I went to Albany to argue, before so august a body of judges, a proposition of law that had in reality so little to commend it; particularly as I was opposed in person by the district attorney of New York County--a man of great learning and power of sarcasm.