The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1908-04-14
CHAPTER II.
(Continued)

I locke dat this heavy featured
slow speaking Yankee, wondering
] whether he was in earnest or only
thought me fool. l knew, OF
course, that had now become fair
game for the blackmailers, and
was inclined to imagine that Mr.
Snuyzer's solicitude was only a
transparent attempt to extort
money.
And what would it cost me to
secure the good offices of Messrs
Saraband & Sons?" l asked, seek.
ing enlightenment as to his prob.
able demands.
Our charges, sir, are no more
than out-of-pocket expenses and a
small retaining fee, say $25 week
After that pro rata premium, &C.
| cording to the risks"
Risks? l do not quite under.
stand"
1.-THE perils, sir, from which you
are saved, whether by premonition,
guardianship or actual rescue. We
! have graduated scale. l shall be
happy to leave the 'skedoOl' with
you. Here are some of the items ::
sequestration, false charges, wound.
ing, loss of limb, death"
Murder, in short?" I still spoke
in flippant tone. What is the
rate of insurance against that?"
His face did not relax, and he an
swered gravely-
From 10000 up to any sum,
according to the nearness of the
risk"
"Well, l will think over your
obliging offer. Possibly, If l find
/ cannot take care Of myself, I may
come to you. For the present
shall trust to Scotland Yard and my
own enjeavors."
"You are wrong, sir, entirely
wrong, believe that, said my WIS.,
itor darkly as he rose to take his
leave. "You are in considerable
danger, sir. and 1t will increase
hourly. And you have given points
against you. The chief aim Of these
big 'bunco steerers' is, of course.
to pouch your dollars, but it is
known that you are concerned with
the differences between our two
great countries. 1t is supposed that
you hold important military infor-
nation, state secrets that might be
got out of you, squeezed out of you,
if they put you in tight place. You
may decline our offer-that is your
own affair. But, sir, let me con-
jure you to carry a six-shooter on
all occasions; go nowhere-well, to
no strange or unusual places
alone"
81 trust it is not quite so bad as
all that, Mr.. Snuyzer. Still, l am
grateful, and l shall certainly re-
member you if, if"
"You survive? Yes, sir, but do
not leave it too late. You have been
marked down, captain, and they
will strike at you, somehow, soon;
today, tomorrow, at any time. They
contend that the M'Faught millions
were acquired by spoliation and
sharp practice"
''Is there any truth in that?"
broke in hurriedly.
Bully M'Faught was smart
man, and struck some close things;
but he was no more entitled to
states prison than those he fought
with on Wall st. Any stick Is good
enough to beat dog with. and your
enemies will talk tall about sur
rendering i'll gotten gains, because
it is a good show card. l do not
think you need lie awake wonder
ing whether you should make
restitution to the widow and the
atherless-anyway, not till it's
forced upon you, as it may be-"
And you can save me from
that?'
COR worse. We think you will
be we'll advised to consider our of.
fer. If we can be of any service to
you, remember our telephone num-
Der is 287356, and l shall reply per-
sonally or by proxy at any time.
day or night. You have also my adj
dress, 80 Norfolk ST., Strand. re-
side there, on the premises. l shall
be proud to receive your instruc-
tons, ani--if it is not too late