The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1897-06-05
a CASE OF BLACKMAIL.
by HERBERT ADAMS.

SWELL, sir, l can't say | altogether
fancy it. You see. they might bring
ii into the law courts, and then they
twists and turns you till you gets all
of 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, "I'll guar
antee 1t shall never come into court.
I'm lawyer myself. end know how
TO manage it-though even II 1t did get
tried, the jury would be sure to give big
damages. 1t Is such likely thing
that lodger should triflc with the af-
feetions of his landlndy's daughter;
particularly il she is pretty and he is
Il curate."
but, really. sir, / don't think he
ever made love to my Marty really
don't"
Don't be 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. lie 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
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. avarieiously Selling the five golden
soyereigns.
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 Mnrjy-though she is
precious sight better than most Of
them"
II know all about that" and his brow
darkened a little: "he loved your daugh-
ter. and he Tilted her when he got the
chance of marrying this rich lady. II
is so simple case that you are sure to
make lot OF money out OF it,"
very 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 eff.
fusiycly. After all, the arch-villain
must be courteous to his tools.
The astute young lawyer chuclfled to
himself in anticipation of his triumph,
rs 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 10 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 a curate TO me! think I've
got him pretty safe, and Dora, and her
beauty, and her money will soon be
ninel"
Rev. Frank p. Grayson, b. A., junior
eurate OF st. Mary's, Pretworth, was,
as Mrs. lIennell afterwards said, COM
yletely "habhypasted-
Mrs. Hennell had been somewhat
timid when she undertook the bust
ness; but having started it. the opposi-
tion Mr.. Grayson very naturally raised
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," said GRAY
son; 81 always took you for an honest
woman. or as honest ms landlady
could be reasonably expected to be; but
/ perceive you are only a blackmailer."
How dare you say such a thing to
rne?" cried the virtuous mother. mot
satisfied with making my Marty so
unhappy, you are now calling me bad
namesl"
Grayson felt considerably disturbed.
He was indignant at this most calum
NOUS charge, but he saw that it would
h exceedingly difficult to entirely dis
prove il, and there was little doubt
that many of the townsfolk would b.
only too willing to believe the evil ac-
cusations.
How much do you want?" he at
length asked.
well, sir, one does hear of thousands
OF pounds-but I only wants justice.
sir. I'll call Marry and see what she
says"
Miss Marjorie Hennell was a good
looking brunette Of about 20 years of
age. She had bold, brown eyes. that
would attract some and repel others
She hal been little reluctant in join
Ing The conspiracy against Mr.. Gray
~. ss no Que knew better than she