The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1909-05-27
Tie
Retribution

houo AlLH Shlilt. - ne cnecK was
made out for 5000 and the name
signed to it, John T. Coolidge, was
a guarantee that the check was good
for that amount at any time.
IL was very pleasant to receive
check once a month from another
man Just because you happened to
know something about him which
would make it very unpleasant for
him If his wife and family heard
about it; For this was really much
easier than Mr.. Coogan's regular pro-
fession, for he was n burglar and.
occasionally, did not hesitate to hold
up man at any time If he thought
he could get away. 1t was also far
less risky, for Mr.. Coogan was a care
fu. man. The state had once given
him free lodging for a considerable
length of time while he was younger
and less smart. He did not desire
the hospitality of the state again and
was therefore very much pleased
with the regular checks from his
friend. II occurred to him, however,
that he ought to get more money out
Of Coolidge. Mr.. Coogan had once
been rather extravagant He loved
to dress well and live well, and BE-
sides he was an inveterate poker
player and fully convinced of his own
ability to pick the winning horse on
any track. Mr.. Coogan was no or
1inary criminal. He had a certain
education and was known among the
people of the under world as Gentle
nan George" Now he sat and
smoked an excellent cigar and think
ng of how much money it would be
possible for him to get out of Cool
dge. He had already succeeded
)nce and his original demand had
been for only one hundred dollars a
ihonth. He had the man in his pow
sr, of that he was sure. Coolidge
would no doubt pay money to any
AMOUNT. The question was how much
le was able to pay. He was no mil
Ionaire but quite we'll off. He had
I good business and could surely
'tand for more than two hundred
dollars.
Coolidge looked at Coogan with
N expression of hatred, fear and dis !
sust as he entered his office. His
ace was by no means weak and most
eople would have hesitated to try
ilackmail on him. Coogan had hes
lated himself, but not very long.
hat was at the time when he didn't
now the strength of his own posi-
ION.
Good morning Mr.. Coolidge"
Soogan, said cordially. ~ beautiful
corning, isn't it? May have your
ind attention for few minutes?"
Coolidge sent his stenographer
way and turned around in his chair.
ie knew very well what was coming.
Il regret to say, Mr.. Coolidge that
y expenses have increased rather
armingly of late. | don't want to
en- immodest, but l think 1t We Id
wise thing for you to raise my
onthly salary to three hundred dol
RS. If it wouldn't be an inconven-
you would make out a check now
next month s, and besides give me
other check for five hundred dol
IS which would cone in very handy
me-"
Coolidge turned pale. He felt
e catching the man by the throat
I'd squeezing the life out of him,
- he thought OF the result and he
in't dare move.
How is this going to end, Coo
n? How long do you think I'm
ing to stand for this? I'm not a
n man and | cannot raise your sal
Y as you call it a hundred dollars
month every time you feel like it.
oh, | think you may be able to
sc it at least this time" Coogan
olied. Three hundred dollars a
nth will not break you. People in
'ur position ought to have regular
cunts set aside for this purpose.
u ought to provide for expenses of
'ney to pay your rent and taxes.
le privilege of being rich and hav-
ing."
Il will not allow you to ruin me.
out of this Office and do your
)rst, you scoundrel.G
Certainly, my dear friend, will
that" Coogan replied calmly,
king toward the doc IF /
It have three hundred dollars a
nth | shall rather have nothing at
HIS hand was already on the lock
en- Coolidge called him back. Geo.
sat down with a smile while his
tim made out a check for three
1dred and handed it to him.
Then there is still that little ey-
amount of five hundred" Coogan
lspered.
Coolidge made out another check
| gave 1T to the man.
Good morning, Mr.. Coolidge
)gan said, almost amiably, and