“I should say so!” responded Montague.  He was amazed at such a statement, coming from such a source.  “How could this continue?” he asked.

“It has continued for a long time,” the Judge answered.

“But why is it not known?”

“It is perfectly well known to every one in the insurance business,” was the answer.  “The matter has never been taken up or published, simply because the interests involved have such enormous and widely extended power that no one has ever dared to attack them,”

Montague sat forward, with his eyes riveted upon the Judge.  “Go on,” he said.

“The situation is simply this,” said the other.  “My friend, Mr. Hasbrook, wishes to bring a suit against the Fidelity Company to compel it to pay to him his proper share of its surplus.  He wishes the suit pressed, and followed to the court of last resort.”

“And do you mean to tell me,” asked Montague, “that you would have any difficulty to find a lawyer in New York to undertake such a case?”

“No,” said the other, “not exactly that.  There are lawyers in New York who would undertake anything.  But to find a lawyer of standing who would take it, and withstand all the pressure that would be brought to bear upon him—­that might take some time.”

“You astonish me, Judge.”

“Financial interests in this city are pretty closely tied together, Mr. Montague.  Of course there are law firms which are identified with interests opposed to those who control the company.  It would be very easy to get them to take the case, but you can see that in that event my friend would be accused of bringing the suit in their interest; whereas he wishes it to appear, as it really is, a suit of an independent person, seeking the rights of the vast body of the policy-holders.  For that reason, he wished to find a lawyer who was identified with no interest of any sort, and who was free to give his undivided attention to the issue.  So I thought of you.”

“I will take the case,” said Montague instantly.

“It is my duty to warn you,” said the Judge, gravely, “that you will be taking a very serious step.  You must be prepared to face powerful, and, I am afraid, unscrupulous enemies.  You may find that you have made it impossible for other and very desirable clients to deal with you.  You may find your business interests, if you have any, embarrassed—­your credit impaired, and so on.  You must be prepared to have your character assailed, and your motives impugned in the public press.  You may find that social pressure will be brought to bear on you.  So it is a step from which most young men who have their careers to make would shrink.”

Montague’s face had turned a shade paler as he listened.  “I am assuming,” he said, “that the facts are as you have stated them to me—­that an unjust condition exists.”

“You may assume that.”

“Very well.”  And Montague clenched his hand, and put it down upon the table.  “I will take the case,” he said.