Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-03-07
By BOOTH HARRINGTON.
Author of Cherry" ~"rIonsieur Beaucnire." Etc.
T. 1908, BY HARPER C. BROTHERS

you cant stop It-ever. That isn't all. To my knowledge you own other prop erty worse than the Beach. I know that you own half of the worst dens in the town-profitable investments too. You bought them very gradually and craftily, only showing the deeds to those ill charge-as you did to Mike Sheehan-and not recording them. Sheehan's betrayal of you gave ne the key. l know most Of the poor crea- lures who are your tenants, too, you see. and that gave me an advantage because they have some confidence in me. My investigations have been al- most as quiet and careful as your pur- chases."
 You blackmailer.r' The judge bent upon him fierce. inquirlEg scrutiny, in which. oddly enough, there was a kind of haggard hopefulncss. And out of such stories." he sneerej, you are going to try to make political cap ital against the Tocsln, are you?''
 "No," said Joe Tt was necessary in the interests of my client for me to know pretty thoroughly just what property you own, and think l do. These pieces I've mentioned are about all you have not mortgaged You couldn't do that without exposure, and you've kept controlling interest in the Tocsin clear, too--for tine sake of its influence. suppose. Now. do you want to hear any more, or will you agree to meet me at Miss Tabor's this evening?' . Whatever the look of hopefulness had sgnitied. it fed from Pike's face during this speech. bu. he asked with some show of contempt, Do you think it iikely?" ,"Very we'll" said Joe, If you want me to speak here" And-he came a lit- tie closer to him. You bought a big block of Granger Gas for Roger Ia bor." he began in a low voice. Before his death you sold everything he had except the old house. put it all into cash for him and bought that stock. You signed the check as his attorney in fact, and it came back to you through the Washington National. where Norbert Flitcroft handled it. He has good memory, and when he told me what he knew had him to do some tracing. Did d little myself also. Judge Pike, must tell you that you stand in danger of the law You were the custodian of that stock for Roger Tabor. It was transferred in blank, though think you meant to be 'legal' at that time, and that was merely fol convenience in case Roger had wished you to sell it for him. But just aftel his death you found yourself saddlet with distillery stock. which was goin. bad on your hands. Other speculation, 1 of yours were failing at the same time l You had to have money. You tilet ! your report as administrator. creditin: Miss Tabor with your own stock whicl you knew was going to the wall, ant /, transferred hers to yourself. Then vol sold it because ycu needed ready mon ey. You used her fortune to save your self. but you were horribly afraid! N, matter how rotten your transaction had been. you had always kept insid, the law, and now that you had gon, outside of it you were frightened. No, didn't dare come flat out to Miss Tabo with the statement that her forum, had gone. It had been in your churg all the time. and things might looI I ugly. So you put it off, perhaps iron day to day. You didn't dare tell he 1 until you were forced to, and to avoit the confession you sent her the incom' which was rightfully hers. That wa your great weakness"
 Joe had spoken with great rapidity though keeping his voice low. and h. lowered it again as he continued Judge Pike. what chance have 70, to be believed in court when you swea
 that you sent her S20,OOO out of tn, goodness of your heart? Do you thinl sbe believed you? It was the yer! proof to her that you had robbed her
 for she knew you. Do you want t,
 hear more now: Dc you think thi: IS q good place for ii? Do you wisi
 ne to go over the details of each steI have taken against you 10 land yo, at the bar where :his poor fellow you paper is bounding stands today:'
 The judge essaycd to answer ana conid not. He lifted his hand uncer
 tainly and dropped it. while a thics dew gathered on his temples. Thar
 ticulate sounds came from between hi:
 teetli.
 You will corne:' said Joe.
 Martin Pike bent his head dazedly
 and at that the other turned quicsly
 from him and went away without look
 ing back.
 Ariel was in the studio half an hoJl later. when Joe was announced by ths smiling Mir. Warden. Ladev was with
 her. though upon the point Of taking his leave, and Joe marked. with a sinking heart. that the young minis ;er's cheeks were flushed and his eyes ] very bright.
 Tt was q magnificent thing you did NJ. I.oudcn." he said. offering his hand { heartily. -I saw it. and it was eveu ' fner in one wsy than it was plucky ] It somehow straightcHed things oui i with such perfect good nature II made those people feel that what they were doing was ridiculous"
 'So it was said Joe.
 "Few under the circumstances could