Mower County transcript., 1897-05-12
A CASE OF BLACKMAu,
BY HERBERT ADAMS.

"a CAOH VI DLAChMAll1
BY HERBERT ADAMS.
I.
"Well, sir, can't say I altogether
fancy it. You see, they might bring
it into the law courts, and then they
twists and turns you till you gets all
of a whirl, and there's no knowing
what you'll say, sir, or what they'll say
you say, sir"
my dear. Mrs. Hennell,'' was the
somewhat impatient reply, "Pll guar
antee it shall never come into court.
I'm a lawyer myself, and know how
to manage it-though even if 1t did get
tried, the jury would be sure to give big
damages. It is such likely thing
that a lodger should trifle with the af-
fections of his landlady's daughter;
particularly if she is pretty and he is
a curatel"
"But, really, sir, I don't think he
ever made love to my Marjy-I really
DON'T"
Don't be a fool, my good woman!
Who said he did? All you've got to
do is to accuse him of promising to
marry your daughter, and then of fail
ing to keep his promise. He will deny
that he ever thought of such thing,
but there are sure to be a lot of little in
cidents, things he said and did, that you
can bring in, and when he's threatened
with an exposure he's almost sure to
offer you lot of money to hush it up.
Meanwhile, here's five pounds, and I'll
promise you five more when you've
done it,
But my Marry got engaged last week
to Willie Kent, sir" said the old wom-
an, avariciously seizing the five golden
sovereigns. ".:
"Did she? Never mind Don't tell
anyone about it, and you'll make Mr..
Grayson pay for their marriage ex-
penses and house furnishing."
''Yes; but hasn't he just got engaged,
too, sir? To Miss Bingham, of the Hall?
She's got lots and lots of money, and
the man that could get her would not be
likely to want my Marjy-though she is
precious sight better than most of
them"
II know all about that" and his brow
darkened little; "he loved your daugh-
ter, and he Tilted her when he got the
chance of marrying this rich lady. It
is so simple a case that you are sure to
make d lot of money out of it,
Every well, sir, me and Marry will
do our best, though must confess
don't like it,"
She held out her hand to him, and,
mastering his disgust, he shook it ef-
fusively. After all, the arch-villain
must be courteous to his tools.
The astute young lawyer chuckled to
himself in anticipation of his triumph,
as he left
II don't think it can fail if she plays
her part well," he muttered, as he
walked rapidly towards his home.
'She is such greedy wretch, that
she is sure to do her best. He is pretty
certain to offer her something to be
quiet; and if he doesn't, the piteous
cry of the wronged widow and de-
ceived orphan will soon fill the town!
If he does pay up, I'll take good care
the tale leaks out, and the money he
paid will prove the charges were true!
And then we shall see whether Dora
Bingham will prefer this conceited
popinjay of curate to me! think I've
got him pretty safe, and Dora, and her
beauty, and her money will soon be
mine!"
Rev. Frank P. Grayson, B. A., junior
curate of St. Mary's, Pretworth, was,
as Mrs. Hennell afterwards said, COM
pletely "fabbygasted." .- ,..:
Mrs. Henneu had been somewhat
timid when she undertook the busi-
ness; but having started it, the opposi-
tion Mr.. Grayso1l very naturally raised
y aroused her fighting instincts, and she
played the part of an irate parent who
has daughters wrongs. to remedy
with lifelike faithfulness and intensity.
"Look here, Mrs. Hennell," I" said Gray
son; II always took you for an honest
woman. or as honest, as a landlady
could be reasonably expected to be-; but
| perceive you are only blackmailer.'
How dare you say such a thing to
me?" cried the virtuous mother. mot
satisfied with making my Marty so
unhappy, you are now calling. me bad
names!''/ u
Grayson felt considerably disturbed.
He was indignant at this most calum-
X nious charge, but he saw that it would
be exceedingly difficult to entirely dis
prove tt, and there was little doubt
that many OF the townsfolk would be
only too willing to believe the evil ac-
cusations.
How much do you want7" he at
s length asked. s.s
well, sir, one does hearo thousands
OF ppunds-but ] only wants justice.