The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1906-06-08

have gained the confidence and affec-
ton of trusting women. He deals
with no nigga-d hand. I happen to
know that he paid seven hundred
pounds to 4 footman for Il note two
lines i'll length, and that the ruin of a
whole noble family was the result
Everything which is in the market goes
to Milverton, and there are hundreds
in this great city who turn white at
his name. No one knows where his
grip may fall, for he is far too rich
and far too cunning To work from
hand TO mouth. He will hold Il card back
for years in order TO play it at the mo-
nlent when the stake is best worth
winning. l have said that he is the
worst man in London, and l would ask
you how could one compare this ruff
fan. who in hot blood bludgeons his
mate. With this man. who methodically
and at his leisure fortunes the soul and
wrings the nerves in orYier to add to his
already swollen money hags?'
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
~ not. What would it profit 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 have him, but he is as cunning
as the EVIL One. No. no. we must find
Other ways 70 fight him.
And why is he here"
Because an illustriouS client has
placed her pteous case in my hands.
II is the Lady Eva Blackwell. the most
beautiful Gebutane of last season. She
Earl of Dovercourt. This fiend has
several imprudent letters-imprudent
Watson, nothing worse-which We're
written to an impecunious young squire
III 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 l can"
AT that instant there was IL clatter
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 shaggy astra-
khan overcoat descended. a minute
later he was in the room.
Charles Augustus Milverton was n
man of fifty. with large. intellectual
head, round. plump. hairless face. a
perpetual. frozen smile, and two keen
gray eyes, which cleaned brightly
es. There was something of Mr.. Pick
wicl's henevolence in his appearance,
marred 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 hand and looked at him
broadcned, he shrugged his shoulders,
with face of granite. Milverton's smile
removed his overcoat, folded it with
great elaboration over the back of a
chair, and then took seat.
This gentleman" said he, with q
wave in my direction. rs it discreet?
Is 1t right?"
DIR. Watson is my friend and part
ner."
Very good, MY. Holmes. It is only in
YOUR clients interests that protested.
The matter is SO very delicate"
DIR. 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 14th, there certainly will be
no marriage on the 18TH" His insult
ferable smile was more complacent
than ever.
Holmes thought for 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
1 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 2"
he asked.
They are sprightly-very sprightly,"
Milverton answered. THE lady was a
sure you the the earl of Dovercourt
| would 1am to appreciate them. How
ever, since you think otherwise, we will
let it rest at that. It is purely a. matter
of business. If you thi,5k that it is in
the best interests of your 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 sum
| 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 20 too
fast. We should certainly make every
effort to avoid scandal in SO delicate a
| matter
Milverton relapsed into his chair.
Il was sure that you would see it in
| that liSl-.,' he purred.
AT the same time Holmes con-
/ tinncd, Lady Eva is not wealthy
woman assure you that $4,000 would
be drain upon her resources, and
that the sum you name is utterly be-
| yohd her power. 1 beg therefore, that
! you will moderate your demands, and
that you will return the letters at the
price ] indicate, which is, assure you,
the highest that you can get"
Milverton's smile broadened and his
eyes twinkled humorously.
II am aware that what you say is
| true about the ladys resources" said
he AT the same time you must ad-
nit that the occasion Of a lady's mar
riase is Il very suitable time for her
friends and relatives to make some lit
tie effort upon her behalf. They may
hesitate as to an acceptable wedding
| present. Let me assure them that this
| little bundle OF letters would give more
| JOY than all the candelabra and butter
dishes in London
1T is impossible" said Holmes.
CONTINUED Next Week.