The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1907-09-18
Conclusive Evidence.
IongInal.l

[Orginai.l
Warren Murdoch, one of the best am
atetr photographers In New York, had
been taking some views in Central
park. He was leaving the park when
he was accosted by woman respect
ably dressed, to all appearances a lady.
''I'n trouble you for hundred dol
lars" shc said.
"A hundred dollars! My dear lady,
why should / give you hundred dol
lar6&
ITO save yourself from the conse ).
quonces Of having annoyed me"
II annoy you? never saw you be-
fore"
You have been following me ever
since entered the park Do you see
that policeman over there by the obe-
lisk? 1t is an easy matter for me to
call him, have you arrested and taken
to the station. There shall state that
you have been annoying me In the
park. II you cannot get bail you viii
spend the night in cell. The informa-
ton OF your despicable conduct win be
read tomorrow morning by every New
Yorker who takes a newspaper. Your
wife, IL you have one, Will never be
quite sure whether you are guilty or
innocent. Even If you are acquitted on
trial you win ever afterward suffer an
unpleasant notoriety. Some viii be-
lleve you innocent, but the majority
will believe you guilty. VIII it not be
worth a hundred dollars to you to
ayea all thisT
Murdoch was so stunned by this
proposition, so convinced of its truth,
that for few minutes he made no re-
ply, staring at the woman In wonder
at her effrontery.
s1ow Will you prove your casew
Il don't need to prove 1t. It's the
nctoriety am relying on. Even il
could prove It you would suffer no
punishment except small fine.
Proved or not. your name will be pub
lished as one charged with con-
temptible crime and you will never
live down the smirch."
do you expect people you spring
your game on to carry SO much about
themi''
mot usually. The matter may be
kept from the public by the accused
giving O fictitious name. The money
may be paid at any time before the
trial, and go to the police and con-
TESS myself as having been mistaken.
Then they will release you. But you
look like a man who would not 60
about without being wen supplied
with money"
Murdoch saw by this that the wo-
man considered bird in the hand
worth two in the bush. He happened
to have plenty to meet the present ne
cessity.
F"suppose we compromise" he said.
'T'll give you 500"
The woman gave him a scrutinizirg
glance.
IF the matter Is settled here be-
tween us now he continued, lit win
be better for MS both. You run no
risk. don't have to 60 to the police
station"
very well. III take $50"
Murdoch pulled out his poclEetbook
and counted five Of the bills. The wo-
man held out her hand.
''The policeman is looking this way"
said Murdoch. ut may be he knows
you as an old offender and is watching
you. If he sees me give you money
he'll arrest you for practicing your
game, and I'll have to so with you to
testify against you. In that case |
won't be much better Off than II /
refuse to pay you anything. Now
suppose / go and drop the money at
the foot Of that tree yonder and you
go and pick it up"
The woman looked suspicious, but
after some thought seeing no way by
which her victim could trick her, she
consented. Murdoch rolled the bills,
holding them In his fist walked to the
root OF the tree and dropped them.
Then he sauntered away. The woman
advanced. keeping one eye on Muir