Page:Melville Davisson Post--The Man of Last Resort.djvu/177



T is quite plain,” said Randolph Mason, “that you have fallen into the usual blunder of the common rogue. If you had wished to rob the insurance companies, you could easily have accomplished your end without perpetrating this crime, and thus assume the hazard of discovery and criminal prosecution.”

Robert Gilmore looked sharply at the counsellor.

“You mean that I am seeking advice late?”

“Precisely,” said Mason. “It is the characteristic error of the witless.”

“Well,” observed the coal operator, “in desperate positions one usually relies on one's-self; confederates are dangerous, and usually expert advice is difficult to obtain.” Then he laughed. “I could not advertise for sealed