Part 41 (1/2)

”Well, we won't discuss that just now,” he said.

”Because,” Abe continued, ”we wouldn't consent to nothing of the kind, Mr. Steuermann; the young feller works for us and we would got to do our share.”

”That part will come later,” Steuermann insisted; ”and now let's see what is to be done.”

For more than half an hour Steuermann disclosed to Abe and Morris the result of his lawyers' investigation.

”Mr. Munjoy has seen Kovalenko,” Steuermann said, ”and he a.s.serts that, so far as proof is concerned, no murder was ever committed.”

”But, Mr. Steuermann,” Morris said, ”the feller which he opened the package, y'understand, was blown up so his own father couldn't recognize him even.”

”That's just the point, Mr. Perlmutter,” Steuermann declared; ”and Mr.

Munjoy says that on this circ.u.mstance hinges the Russian Consulate's whole case. They are obliged to prove that a definite person was killed; and it seems that the consulate paid the pa.s.sage of the victim's father to this country, so that he might testify before the United States Commissioner. I understand that the old man, who by the way is a Rabbi, arrived last week. Mr. Munjoy says that, if the father is unable to testify to the ident.i.ty of the victim it may so complicate matters that more evidence will be necessary and the consulate may drop the affair on account of the expense involved.”

Morris nodded sadly.

”Lawyers could always make expenses, Mr. Steuermann,” he said, ”for the Russian counsellor and for us also.”

”Never mind about expense, Mawruss,” Abe interrupted. ”What does it matter a few hundred dollars, Mawruss, so long as we get this young feller free? In fact, Mr. Steuermann, I am willing we should go half if we could see this here Rabbi and _schmier_ him a thousand dollars he should swear that no one was killed at all.”

Mr. Steuermann shook his head. ”That would be in effect suborning perjury, Mr. Potash,” he said--and Morris glared at Abe.

”I'm surprised at you, you should suggest such a thing, Abe!” he exclaimed. ”Seemingly you got no conscience at all. A thousand dollars we should pay the feller! I bet yer he would lie himself black in the face for a twenty-dollar bill.”

”It isn't a matter of money, Mr. Perlmutter,” Steuermann said; ”but why not see the old man to-night? I have his address here, and if you approached him in the right way perhaps he might testify that he did not recognize the murdered man. That would only be the simple truth and it would be just what we want. As it is, I'm afraid the Russian Consulate will intimidate him into swearing that he knew the body to be that of his son.”

He handed Morris a card bearing a Madison Street address.

”Well, gentlemen,” he concluded, ”I've taken up your time long enough. I hope to see you in my office to-morrow, Mr. Perlmutter.”

Morris nodded and was about to shake hands with his visitor when Abe slapped his thigh in a sudden realization of his inhospitality.

”Mr. Steuermann,” he exclaimed, ”wouldn't you smoke something?”

He jumped to his feet and thrust a huge gold-banded cigar at Mr.

Steuermann, who shook his head.

”Thank you very much,” Mr. Steuermann said, ”but I'm afraid it's rather near dinner-time.”

”Put it in your pocket and smoke it after dinner,” Abe insisted, and Mr.

Steuermann smilingly obliged.

Together the two partners escorted him into the elevator; and when the door closed behind him Morris turned to Abe with an ironical smile.

”You got a whole lot of manners, Abe, I must say,” he commented bitterly.

”Whatd'ye mean, manners?” Abe asked. ”What did I done?”

”Tell a millionaire like Mr. Steuermann he should smoke the cigar after dinner!” Morris replied.