Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1906-06-08

1850
hand to mouth. He will hold a card back
for years in order to play II at the mo
ment when the stake is best worth
winning. | have said that he is the
worst man in London, and | would ask
you how could one compare his ruff
fan, who in hot blood bludgeons his
mate, with this man, who methodically
and at his leisure tortureS the soul anC
wrings the nerves in order to add to his
already swollen money bags"
l had seldom heard my friend speak
with such intensity of feeling.
But surely" said l, the fellow must
be within the grasp of the law"
Technically, no doubt, but practical
ly not. What would IT profit a woman
for example, to get him a few months
Imprisonment, If her own ruin must
Immediately follow? His victims dare
not hit back. If ever he blackmailed
an innocent person then indeed we
should ave him, but he is as cunning
as the Evil One. No, no, we must find
other ways to fight him"
And why is he here"
Because an illustrious client has
placed her piteous case in my hands,
1t is the Lady Eva Blackwell, the most
beautiful d%ebutane of last season. She
is to be married in a fortnight to the
Earl of Dovercourt. This fiend has
several imprudent letters-imprudent,
Watson, nothing worse-Which were
written to an i~mpecunious young squire
in the country. They would suffice to
break off the match. MilVertOn will
send the letters to the earl unless a
large sum of money is paid him. !
have been commissioned to meet him
and-to make the best terms | can"
At that instant there was a ClatteT
and a rattle in the street below. Look
Ing down | saw a stately carriage and
pair, the brilliant lamps cleaning on
the glossy launches of the noble chest
nuts. A footman opened the door, and
a small, stout man in "a shaggy astra-
khan overcoat descended. \ minute
later he was in the room.
ChaTles Augustus Milverton vas a
man of fifty, with a large, intellectual
head, a round, plump, hairless face, a
perpetual, frozen smile, and two keen
gray eyes, which CLEANED brightly
from behind broad, gold trimmed glass
es. There was something of Mr.. Pick
wick's benevOlence in his appearance,
married only by the insincerity of the
fixed smile and by the hard glitter of
those restless and penetrating eyes. His
voice was as smooth and suave as his
Countenance, as he advanced with a
plump little hand extended, murmuring
his regret for having missed Us at his
first visit. Holmes ~disregarded the
outstretched han and looked at him
broadened, he shrugged his shoulders,
with a face of granite. Milyerton's smile
removed his overcoat, folded it with
great elaboration over the back of a
chair, and then took a seat.
This gentleman said he, with a
ave in my direction. is it discreet?
Is it right?'
DR.. Watson is my friend and part
ner."
Very good, Mr.. Holmes. 1t is only in
your clients interests that | protested.
The matter is so very delicate
"Dr. Watson has already heard of it,"
Then we can proceed to business.
You say that you are acting for Lady
Eva. Has she empowered you to ac-
cept my terms"
What are your terms?"
Seven thousand pounds
And the alternative"
my dear sir, it is painful for me to
discuss it, but if the money is not
paid on the 18th. there certainly will be
no marriage on the 18th" His insult
ferable smile was more c~omplacent
than ever.
Holmes thought for a little.
You appear TO me" he said, at last,
Ito be taking matters too much for
granted. / am, of course familiar with
the contents OF these letters. My client
will certainly do what l may advise.
/ shall counsel her to tell her future
husband the whole story, and TO trust
to his generosity"
Milverton chuckled.
you evidently do not know the
earl" said he.
From the baffled look upon Holmes
face, / could see clearly that he did.
What harm is there in the letters?"
he asked.
They are sprightly-very sprightly,"
Milverton answered. THE lady was q
charming correspondent. But / can as
sure you that the earl of Dovercourt
would fail to appreciate them. How
ever, since you think otherwise, we will
let it rest at that. II is purely a matter
of business. II you think that It is in
the best interests of our client that
these letters should be placed in the
hands of the earl, then you would in.
deed be foolish to pay so large a sun
of money TO regain them" He rose and
seized his astrakhan coat.
Holmes was grey with anger and
modification.
Wait a little he said. You go toe
fast. We should certainly make every
effort TO avoid scandal In so delicate d
matter"
Milverton relapsed into his chair.
II was sure that you would see il liz
that light" he purred.
AT the same time" Holmes con.
tinued, Lady Eva is not a wealth.,
woman. / assure you that 1000 would
be a drain upon her resources, and
that the sum you name Is utterly be
yond her power. / beg, therefore, thai
you Will moderate your demands, and
that you will return the letters at tn,
price l indicate, which is, / assure you
the highest that you can get"
Milverton's smile broadened and hi
eyes twinkled h~umorously.
II I'M aware that what you say 1,
true about the lady's resources sale
he. AT the same time o must ad
init h a h occasion OF a iady's mar
riage Is a very suitable time for hei
friends and relatives TO make some lit
tie effort upon her behalf. They ma,
hesitate as to an acceptable wedding
present. Let me assure them that thf
little bundle of letters would give NOR,
JOY thai all the candelabra and butte:
dishes In London"