DEDICATION

As will be seen by those who read this book, turning the idea of the Court of Last Resort into an actuality called for a co-ordinated effort of considerable magnitude.

I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to my associates for their loyalty, and to make public acknowledgment to Harry Steeger, owner of Argosy Magazine.

It is all too easy for a magazine publisher to agree to a course of conduct in the white heat of enthusiasm, but to continue on an even course, month after month, year after year, when that course involves a considerable financial sacrifice, is an entirely different matter.

When we first started this work Steeger said to me, “Erle, you are going to be out on the firing line. There will be times when you’ll have to make up your mind as to what should be done without having any opportunity to get in touch with my office. I want you to know that when such situations arise, you are to use your best judgment, and I’ll back you to the limit. You have the power to determine the policy of the magazine in all matters relating to the Court of Last Resort.”

Fortunately such occasions have been few in number, but there have been two or three times when it became necessary to reach and announce almost instantaneous decisions. These were in moments of stress when any hesitation would have been a sign of weakness. We had to announce that if certain things were done the magazine would fight to the finish. At such times it was a great satisfaction to know that Steeger had meant exactly what he said, and that he’d go on fighting with us to the last ditch and the last dollar.

During the six and a half years the Court of Last Resort has been functioning, Harry Steeger has never wavered, has never tried to pull back. He has done exactly what he told us he would do at the start of the organization.

I have known Steeger for some twenty-five years, during which time there has been a close, friendly association which I value as one of my most cherished relationships. We have been on numerous adventures together. I have learned to know, to respect and to admire his bulldog tenacity and his fighting stamina.

And now, on behalf of my associates and myself, I want to make public thanks to him for the steadfastness of purpose which made The Court of Last Resort possible.

So I dedicate this book to my friend:

HARRY STEEGER

Erle Stanley Gardner