The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1911-11-10

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ed. II don't see that there was any
other way-and yet I was a fool! And
what have gained? Almost II would
have been better TO pay the money and
let the scoundrel go-if he surrendered
Helen safe"
Then he tried to imagine what Pay
ton would do. Would he keep him a
prisoner? But what could he gain by
hat? The Millionaire knew well
enough that there was nobody who
would pay 100000 to have him re-
leased Was his life In danger! No.
he did not think so. The commission
er's reasoning on that point seemed
conclusive. All the danger centered
on his daughter. At moments be de-
bated whether he should not now Of
fer to pay the ransom and have done
with 1t. He could afford 1t. enormous
though the sum was. He had cleared
fifty millions during the past year.
While he was turning the subject In
his mind the door opened and Payton
entered.
"Mr. Grayman." he said in his most
winning manner, ~ give you my word
as a gentleman that ! am inexpressi-
bly, panied by what has occurred. II
was not my intention to carry you OF
Or to offer you any indignity whatever,
but you know as well as l do that
was compelled"
"You promised me immunity If
would meet you" interposed Mr.. Gray
man.
"And you broke the convention by
coming to the rendezvous under the
secret escort of a whole feet" laughed
Payton. But for my means of learn
Ing the designs of my enemies I
should have been beautifully trapped.
But now let that pass. am willing
to overlook 1t in view of your tnexpe-
rience in such affairs as this. You
are now. by force Of circumstances, in
q position where 1t will be impossible
for any further. interruption of our
private conversation to occur. and we
may proceed with the business in the
most amicable spirit"
The easy self assurance Of this
speech and Payton's cool assumption
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dumfounded MIR. Grayman. He saw
the game well enough. but he did not
see way to meet it. He felt desire
to throttle the fellow. where is my
daughter?" he demanded.
Payton smiled provokingly as he re-
piled, "She is where no police in the
world can ever find her and where she
xxvfIl In, IN hnr thA
| ransom Is paid or until
Payton purposely did not finish the
sentence. but remained silent. looking
straight into the billionaires eyes. If
1t was his plan to shake his prisoners
nerves he was fairly successful. ~
do not want any harm to come to you
or your daughter, but | must have the
ten millions. You have the money; l
have the girl. You can afford the
price, and she Is worth IT to you or to
any man. Your life is in my hands
there's no denying that But don't
want IT. want only the money"
MIR. Grayman saw that he must tenn
porize somehow. The first thing was
to get himself out OF this fix. He
would try promises. and If worst came
TO worst he would even pay the ran
som, trusting to get il back again
when Payton should finally be caught.
What do you want me to do" he
asked
II want you to promise me on your
honor as gentleman and a banker TO
meet me with the money at place
which 1 shall designate later. and
where Helen shall be surrendered to
you If you faithfully keep your en-
gagement. Will you do thatT
Suppose | refuse?'
Payton's lip curled. Then you will
not return to New York;
Suppose say 'Yes?"
Then will carry you home myself
with the Chameleon"
Mr.. Grayman reflected. what harm
In promising" he asked himself. "a
promise extorted under compulsion Is
null. 1t will simply give me another
chance. Once at liberty I'll not be
fool enough to put myself in his power
again. SOME way will open up.'
WELL" he said aloud. then III say
Yes"
Good" responded Payton. "Splen-
did good sense! I'll give the order to
turn New Yorkward at once"
Payton had read the billionaire's
thoughts as II they had been printed.
he knew that at present Mr.. Grayman
had no intention of meeting him on the
terms he had prescribed. but would
once more try to entrap him. Yet un-
less he released him now he could new
er hope for the money.
He rose and left Grayman alone In
the cabin. but within a few minutes
returned. saying, Come out, Mr.. Gray.
man. and convince yourself that you
are homeward bound"
Rather unwillingly the Millionaire
ventured upon the deck. They were
still very high. but were flying south
ward at great speed.
''Those are the Catskills away over
yonder," said Payton, pointing. 81
could land you in New York In little
over an hour. but prefer to visit the
metropolis after nightfall. II II now
only O'Clock Wen take lunch and