The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-01-28

the door, BrendOn, or the grayer
part of 1t, moved by Us in a tiny
stream. few elders walked up to
the platform with the air Of those
who reaAze that they are something
in the world. The clock above them
was pointing TO the hour when. with
a humping Of feet and clapping OF
hands. Coran appeared and shook
hands with the white-whiskered old
chairman
II was while the chairman was intro
ducing the popular and Venerated
townsman who had come to address
them," that the red face Of Mr.. Hor-
ledge came peering in at the door. He
stood there for a minute, and then
nodestly sat down on the bench before
US. Grey touched my arm, and we
moved along until We We're just behind
him.
The chairman ended at last, and,
amid fresh applause. Coran rose and
stood gazing down at the little crowd
with a benevolent satisfaction. Their
respect and admiration was the breath
OF life TO the man. You could see it
his eyes. in his gesture as he begged
for silence.
MY friends
Tie had got no farther when Hor-
ledge sprang TO his feet with a raised
hand.
''dr. Chairman" he shouted. 81 have
a question TO ask the candidate
There was q slight outcry, a few
Kisses and groans; but the tide OF local
politics did not run strongly in Bren-
don. Besides, every one knew Horledge.
He had the largest grocer's shop In the
town.
1T would be better 10 question him
after his speech. M. Horledge," pro-
tested the old chairman.
81 should prefer u answer this gem
tIeman at once" coran interposed-
He stood with his hands clasping and
unclasping before him, but never moved
his eyes from his opponent There was
grit in the fellow. after all.
1T would be simpler II you with
drew" said the red-faced man, shut
fling his feet uneasily.
THAT your party's candidate might
return unopDosed?"
Don't force me to explain cried
Horledge. why not withdraw
You waste the time Of the meet
ing"
Very well. gentlemen. I say that
Mr.. Coran there Is no 1T candidate.
because"
There is something unsettlinE in the
official tap on the shoulder which the
police of all countries cultivate. some
thing which il does not take previous
experience 10 recognize. Horledge's
face turned a shade paler as he glanced
over his shoulder at the little man who
had thus demanded his attention.
And what do you want?" he
growled.
Il am Inspector Addington Grey. OF
the criminal Investigation department.
/ warn you. Mr.. Horledge. that you are
lending yourself TO an attempt At
blackmail.''
The detective spoke in so soft q
voice that 1. who was standing by his
side, could barely catch the words.
BLESS my soul. you don't say sO2-'
cried the other
II should like a f1ve-minutes' talk
with Mr. Coran and yourself After
that you may take your own course
VIII you suggest it?''
Mr.. HOrledge did not take long 10
make up his mind. He told the meet
ing that he might have been misin-
formed. II they would permit it. he
asked for a five-minutes private con-
VerSatiOn with the candidate.
The meeting received the suggestion
with cheers, II was something IN
usual in the monotony Of such func-
tiOns. We walked up the central aisle
between a couple OF hundred pairs OF
curious eyes. mounted the platform,
and followed Coran into a small ante
room. the door of which Grey closed
behind him.
ION June Is the Brendon Anti-Vivi-
section Society. OF which you, SIR. Hor-
ledge. are president. received the sum
of $50 from an anonymous source"
said the little detective.
Certainly"
That sum was extorted from Mr..
Coran by the threat OF revealing the
secret which Miss Rebecca Coran told
you this morning, and which you veri-
fed this afternoon by "a reference to
the old newspaper files in the British
museum"
Il had no idea-this is most surpris-
ing. lis it iliegsl?" he suffered.
Blackmail. for whatever purpose, is
illegal. Further attempts have been
made 10 extort money. II is because
they failed that you were placed in
possession of the facts today"
1t seemed mean trick, anyway"
s~AAt AASuStr ItAllLGILlE- WISH :
had never listened 10 the old cat But.
Squaretoes-I beg your pardon, Mr..
Coran-I mean our friend here has
always been such a model that [
thought IL rather fun. On my word.
his secret is safe with me. He an
win the election, and welcome, after
this
That is all, then. I want a word in
private with these two gentlemen.
Good night 10 you, and many thanks"
Great Scott, inspector, but you gave
me a fright. I hope, Mr.. Coran, you
don't bear malice? That's all right,
then. Good night. all"
AS he disappeared through the door
the elder man dropped into a chair.
covering his face with his hands.
This is shocking" he groaned "Oh.
Mr.. Grey, are you sure it was my
sister,"
There is no doubt at all"
But what am l to do now?'' he
asked, looking from one 10 the Other.
of US. with pitieble expression shall
] withdraw"
Nonsense" said the little detective
firmly. Fight your election and win