Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-09-08
CHAPTER v, (continued).

CHAPTER v, (continued).
( He quickly decided on a course of
action. He knew that it would cost
him something, but money was not to
tbe reckoned against the loss Of Laura
I.Vane.
II believe your story" he said aft
er a momentary pause. But will you
explain why you did not go at once to
the police?"
The mans ugly face puckered up
In an evil smile. I'm pore man,
guynor," he replied, land it amt oft
en- SIGH bit OF fat comes to pore
man. SEE to myself, now 'ere's one
man ash pay for me to keep my mouf
shut, and ere's anover as'll pay me to
open it wide. Between the two pore
Emery oughter mike bit"
"You blackguard," said Tankerlane.
He spoke with feeling. He had acted
in precisely similar manner, and
for precisely similar reason his
own advantage. But he fattered him
self that money was more sordid
end than love. He did not see that the
miserable, half-starved tramp and the
prosperous William Tankerlane were
Eboth equally guilty in the eyes Of God.
( The man did not seem annoyed at
the words, which, after all, had prob
Iably been dinned into his ears from
earliest childhood He grinned as
i though compliment had been paid
Ito his perspicacity.
Y We'll, 'ow much, guv'nor?' he
growled. tits WORT a bit to you for
me to go down to the inquest tomor-
row and speak the troof."
ut would be worth lot to me-
Tankerlane replied, "but l shall not
pay you a farthing. 1t would be use
less for me to expect you to under
stand the feelings Of gentleman in
matters of this sort, but you may take
1t from me that no man Of honor
would use such weapon against his
rival or try to wreck the happiness of
the woman he loved by sending her
lover to the gallows." He spoke with
simple nobility, and his words had
the ring of truth in them. His face
was hidden in the darkness, and Hen
ry Burton could not see the mocking
smile that played about his lips. The
poacher gaped at him with wide open
mouth and startled eyes. He had not
reckoned on this view of the matter.
Tankerlane's attitude of mind was in
comprehensive to him.
"Gor blime,'' he calculated, after a
pause, you're a fine plucked 'un,''
and thin mis- sides shook with silent
Taught |.
GAS. said," Tankerlane continued,
IT cou not expect you to understand
the feelings of a gentleman Miss
,Vane is in love with Mr.. Shil and she
is going TOTO marry him. can take
defeat like man. Her happiness is
more to me than anything else in the
world. If this story becomes public
property, her heart will be broken.
Now, perhaps, you can see why | will
not pay you a farthing for your infor-
nation"
r He spoke eloquetntly and the part he
had assumed suited him WELL 1t was
almost pity that his whole audience
consisted of man degraded almost
to the level of an animal, and abso.
Elutely incapable Of approaching this
fine sense of honor. Henry Burton
however, did appreciate one point in
the situation, and his cunning little
eyes twinkled. He was not quite sure
whether Tankerlane was speaking his
mind or attempting a gigantic bluff
TO aVold purchasing his information
But he foresaw profit to himself in
either case.
9.I hadmires yer sentiments, guv'.
NOR" he said with husky emotion,
though they're a bit above a pore
Teller like yer tumble servant Yer
Hove for this ere gal does yer credit
land what seq now is this, yhat'Il yer
pay me to keep my bloomin' mouf
Ishut?"
Es Tankerlane smiled under cover OF
the darkness. He had expected and
desired this demand, and had led w
to It by his conversation. The money
would be well laid out and bear good
Interest, to accumulate for use at
some future date.
"You seem to be scoundrel OF
some resource he replied. 81 am
however, anxious to save a lady from
lifelong misery, and will pay you
EE100 a year to keep your mouth shut
This sum will be paid to you monthly
at any address you like to furnish. II
you make any further attempt al
blackmail, the payments will cease.
kss mike it" the man began, but