The Washington herald., 1912-03-03

of money to regain them" He rose
and seized his astrakhan coat
Holmes was gray with anger and
wait little he said. "You go too
fast. We should certainly make every
effort to avoid scandal in so deliSate a
matter"
Milverton relapsed into his chair.
Il was sure that you would see it ia
that light" he purred.
AT the same tine," Holmes con-
tinued, Lady Eva is not a wealthy
woman. i assure you that two thou
sand pounds would be drain upon her
resources. and that the sum you name
is utterly beyond her power. beg,
therefore, that you will moderate your
demands, and that you will return the
letters at the price indicate, which Is,
/ assure you, the highest that you can
get"
Milverton's smile broadened and his
eyes twinkled humorously.
Il am aware that what you say is
true about the lady's resources" said
he. AT the same time you must ad-
init that the occasion of a ladys mar
riage is very suitable time for her
friends and relatives to make some
little effort upon her behalf. They may
hesitate as to an acceptable wedding
present Let me assure them that this
little bundle of letters would give more
JOY than all the eandelabra and butter
dishes in London"
1T is impossible" said Holmes.
Dear me, dear me, how unfortu-
natep cried Milverton, taking out a
bulky pocketbook. Il cannot help think
ing that ladies are ill-advised in not
making an effort. Look at thisl T. He
held up little note with a coat-of-
arms upon the envelope THAT belongs
towel, perhaps il is hardly fair to tell
the name until tomorrow morning.
But at that time il will be IN the hands
of the lady's husband And all be-
cause she will not find a bcggarly sum
which she could get by turning her. dia-
monds into paste. II is such pity
Now, you remember the sudden end of
the engagement between the Hon. Miss
Miles and Col. DorlSing? Only two
days before the wedding, there was
paragraph in the Morning Post to say
that it was all off. Aud why? Ii is
almost incredible, but the absurd sum
of twelve hundred pounds would have
settled the whole question. Is it not
pitifula And here find you, man OF
sense, boggling about terms, when your
clients future and honor are at stake.
You surprise me, Mr.. Holmes"
What ! say is true Holmes an
swered. "The money cannot be found.
Surely it is better for you to take the
substantial sum which offer than to
ruin this woman's career, which can
profit you in no way?"
There you make a mistake, Mr.
Holmes An exposure would profit me
indirectly to considerable extent
have eight or ten similar cases matur-
ing. II it was circulated among them
that ! had made severe example of
the Lady Eva, should find all of them
much more open to reason. You see
my point?"
Holmes sprang from his chair.
"Get behind him, Watson! Don't let
him out Now, sir, let us see the con.
tents of that notebook"
Mlverton had glided as quick as a
rat to the side of the room, and stood
with his back against the wall.
"Mr. Holmes, Mr.. Holmes" he said,
turning the front of his coat and ex-
hibiting the butt of a large revolver.
which projected from the inside pocket.
Il have been expecting you to do some
thing original This has been done SO
often, and what good had ever come
from it? l.; sre you that | am armed