The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1912-11-30

ged for silence.
MY friends"
He had got no farther when Hor-
ledge sprang 10 his feet with raised
hand.
Mr. Chairman" he shouted. Il
have a question to ask the candidate. Z
There was slight outcry. few
Kisses and groans: but the tide OF To-
cal politics did not run strongly In
Brendon. Besides. everyone knew
Horledge, lie had the largest gro
GERS shop In the town.
1T would be better TO question him
after his speech, Mr. Horledge." pro
tested the old chairman.
II shoulc prefer 10 answer this gen.
tleman at once" Coran interposed.
He stood with his hands. clasping
and unclasping. before him. but new
err moved his eyes from his opponent.
There was grit in the fellow. after all.
1T would be simpler II you with
drew" said the red-faced man. shuffi-
ing his feet uneasily.
THAT your party's candidate might
be returned unopposed?'
Don't force me 10 explain" cried
Horledge. Why not withdraw"
You waste the time OF the meet
ing"
Very well. gentlemen. | say that
Mr.. Coran there is no At candidate,
because"
There Is something unsettling in
the Official tap on the shoulder which
the police OF all countries cultivate
something which IL does not take pre-.
vious experience TO recognize Hor.
ledge's face turned a shade paler as
he glanced over his shoulder at the
little man who has thus demanded his
attention
And what do you want?" he
growied
Il am Inspector Addington Peace,
OF the Criminal Investigation depart.
ment warn you. Mr. Horledge that
you are lending yourself 10 an attempt
at blackmail"
The detective spoke in so soft a
voice that /, who was standing by his
side. could barely catch the words
Bless my soul. you say so?" cried
the other
Il should like a five minutes talk
with Mr. Coran and yourself After
that you may take your own course.
VIII you suggest it?'
Mr.. Horledge did not take long TO
make up his mind He told the meet
ing that he might have been misin-
formed. II they would permit II, he
asked for five minutes private con-
versation with the candidate.
The meeting received the sugges-
tion with cheers IL was something
unusual in the monotony of such func-
lions We walked up the central aisle
between couple OF hundred pairs OF
curious eyes. mounted the platform.
and followed Coran into small ante
room, the door OF which Peace closed
behind him.
ION June Is the Brendon Anti-Vivi-
section society, Of which you. Mr.
Horledge. are president, received the
sum of twenty pounds from an anony-
nous source" said the little detec-
tive
Certainly
That sum was extorted from Mr..
Coran by the threat Of revealing the
secret which Miss Rebecca Coran told
you this morning and which you yeri.
fed this afternoon by reference TO
the old newspaper files in the British
museum"
II had no idea-this is most sur
prising lis It Illegal" he stutter-
ed.
"Blackmail for whatever purpose ia
illegal. Further attempts have been
made 10 extort money 1t is because
they failed that you were placed in
possession OF the facts today
ut seemed a mean trick, anyway"
said Horledge, penitently Il wish
had never listened TO the old cat.
But, Squaretocs-I beg your pardon,
Mr. Coran-l mean our friend here
has always been such model that
] thought il rather fun. lie can win
the election. and welcome. after this. /"
THAT Is all, then. | want word
IN private with these two gentlemen.
Good night to you. and many thanks :"
Great Scot! Inspector, but you
gave me fright hope, Mr.. Coran,
you don't bear malice? That's all
right. then Good night all.
AS he disappeared through the door
the elder man dropped into chair,
covering his face with bis hands.
This is shocking!" he groaned.
"oh, Mr. Peace, are you sure IL was
my sister,"
There is no doubt at all.
But what can do now?' he asked.
looking from one 10 the other OF us,
with pitiable expression. Shall |
withdraw"
Nonsense. said the little detec-
tive, firmly Fight your election and
win Il, sir: and the best way to begin