The Washington herald., 1912-06-23

4
you are talking common sense. But
what / should like to know is, where
is this wonderful title-deed"
~Oh, d-n you, it's in the FIRE, sup
poseP Hefferom. cried. you and he
know. Rowan's your man, and he's
the sort to die game But he didn't
kill Sinclair for nothing. wouldn't
mind betting that that deed has been
burnt to ashes, but even then, / know a
little too much, ehS"
Deane shrugged his shoulders. you
know a great deal too much" he said.
Il am to understand, then, finally, that
you want me to buy your silence?"
Put it that way if you choose" Hef-
erom answered, only l warn you that
| haven't come here on child's game.
This is big business big business for
me and for the>girl. She must have
her share, and I mine"
"And the amount?"
"One hundred thousand pounds Re-
member that it has to be divided"
an other words" remarked Deane,
81 am to buy your silence as to these
matters upon which you have spoken,
for the sum of one hundred thousand
pounds"
1T is too little" Hefferom declared.
"The mine is worth ten times as much
tile mine and your position"
"If give you this sum" Deane asked,
do | understand that il closes the
whole affair? You must remember that
do not admit having even seen this
deed you spoke of Supposing it turns
up in somebody else's hands,"
Hefferom laughed ironically. well
guarantee you against that" he declar-
That's easy to say" Deane objected,
but I don't see how. Come, I will be
perfectly truthful l haven't got that
deed II it should be still in existence,
and be used against me after / have
be in somewhat an unfortunate posi-
ton"
There isn't the slightest fear of il"
Besides WHAT" Deane asked. look
ing up from his desk.
1T isn't as though the deed were a
certainty" he said slowly. "Of course,
the law is a little complicated. There
would be witnesses on both sides, and
the case might go anyhow"
1T would depend a little, think"
Deane said quietly, "on which side you
gave evidence for. l think you could
upset that deed If you chose"
Perhaps / could" Hefferom said
gruf1y
"Will you do it." Deane asked, 'if it
should ever be set into action against
me? Remember that even though |
know you will not believe me, the fact
remains that although / have defended
Rowan, l am not in possession of that
deed"
Hefferom leaned across from his
chair. Listen, Deane," he said. Il am
not here to bluff about that wonderful |
document. Perhaps it isn't worth the |
paper it's written on. Anyhow, here's !
my word for it. I'll see if ever an
action is brought against you on the
strength of that deed, that you blow J
it all sky high in FIVE minutes"
rs the deed forgery" Deane asked. |
Hefferom did not answer.
"Or is it only the date" Deane con-
tinued
Still Hefferom was silent Then, !
There is no necessity he said, after /
a pause, 'of putting these things into !
plain words. You have only to find the
money, and your anxieties are over"
Deane touched a bell by his side.
Yours. | am afraid" he answered, !
are only Just beginning"
The curtains behind were suddenly |
thrown aside. A tall, spare-looking |
man stepped out Deane turned to-
ward him.
Inspector" he said, Il give this man
in charge for a barefaced attempt at
me. You have heard all
that has been said. l don't think that