we cut him right out of the game. You'll retain your reputation as the author of 'Trixie,' and I can, as I say, write your future books for you easily. I don't at all like the notion of the Archdeak grabbing all those royalties when we might be getting them. Of course, I see what a sensation we can make by owning up, and I see that it'll sell 'Edgar and Lilian' pretty heftily; but what I say is, let us take the long view. We've got a considerable time to live, I imagine, and every year we shall want more money. Well, as the author of 'Trixie,' I can make it as easy as shelling peas. But not if you've let the Archdeak acquire that valuable trade name."
"Chloë, old stub," said Dunkle, "it strikes me that you've degenerated a good deal in the last few minutes."
"Not at all," she said. "I'm only being frank about it now. Posing as a
