The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1913-02-21

1
"Oh, yes" he said. "But it is the
faulty sense OF proportion in Coran
which provides the interest in the
case. Even at the time the scandal
was no very serious matter. What
must be his frame of mind that 1t
should terrorize him after all these
| years?"
When I left him half an hour later
1t was with the promise that should
have first news of the comedy's con-
clusion--for tragedy Il certainly was
not, save for the blackmailer, II Peace
should catch him.
The following afternoon was sit
ting In my studio with the cigarette
that comes SO pleasantly after tea and
buttered toast-between my lips. when
my servant. Jacob Hendry, thrust in
his head to announce visitors. They
came hard upon his heels-a long,
gray-whiskered man In the lead, and
the inspector trotting behind. AS they
cleared the door the little detective
twisted round his companion and
waved an Introductory hand.
This Is Mr.. James Coran," he said.
I'VE want your assistance. Mr.. Phil
lips"
The long man stood staring at me
and screwing his hands together in
evident agitation. He had a hollow,
melancholy face, weak mouth. and
eyes OF an indecisive gray. From his
square-toed shoes to the bald patch on
the top OF his head he was extremely,
almost fiagrantly, respectable.
Il am taking a great liberty, SIR"
he said humbly, -but you are, as 1t
We're, a straw to one who is sinking
beneath the waters of affiiction. DO
you, by chance, know the town OF
Brendon?"
II have never been so fortunate as
to visit it," told him.
II understand from the police ofIi-
Ger here that you have travelled
abroad. Accustomed, therefore, to
the corruption that taints the NUM-
cipal life of other cities, you can
scarcely comprehend the whole-souled
enthusiasm with which we OF Brendon
approach the duties, may l say the
sacred trust, OF administering to the
sanitary and moral welfare OF our
county. Those whom we select must
be of unstained reputation. From a
place on the sports committee OF the
flower show myself have risen
through successive grades until even
the houses OF parliament seemed
within the limit OF legitimate ambi-
ton. But now, sir, now 1t seems that,
through a boyish. indiscretion when
student at the Regents street poly
technic, may be denounced In my ad-
vancing years as roysterer, a tippler,
almost a convicted criminal. They
would not hesitate. Mark my words,
sir, If Horledge and Panton-my oppo-
nent's chief supporters in Saturdays
election-are informed of these facts,
they will mention them on platforms,
they may even display them on hoard
ings."
He paused, sighed deeply, and
wiped his face with a large silk pock-
ct handkerchief. The situation was
ridiculous enough, yet not without a
certain pathos underlying the humor,
for the man was sincerely in earnest.
IF I can help you, Mr.. Coran, 1 am
at your disposal" told him.
1T is a matter of considerable deli
cacy," he said. my younger daugh-
ter, Emily, has formed an attachment
which is most disagreeable to me-"
Indeed" murmured
The young man, Thomas Appleton
by name, Is Of more than doubtful
character. Miss Rebecca, my sister,
has seen him boating on the Thames
In the company Of ladies' whose ap-
pearance overwhelmingly theatre
CAL"
"You surprise me-"
"He has been known to visit music
halls"
"Did Miss Rebecca see him there,
too?"
Certainly not, sir; but she has 1t
from sure source. It was obviously
my duty to forbid him the house. 1
performed that duty, and extorted a
promise from my daughter that she
would cease to communicate with him.
In my belief, 1t is he who has discov-
cred the scandal to which I need not
again refer, and, in revenge, Is levy
ing this blackmail. The law shall
strike him, II there is justice left in
England"
"And where do come in?" asked,
for he had paused in furry of indig-
nation.
Perhaps I had better explain"
Peace interposed. sowing to this I'M
fortunate love affair, 1t Is plain that
no member OF Mr.. Coran's family must
learn that this young man is suspect
ed or that steps are being taken for
his arrest. 1t would not be unreason-
able to fear that he might be warned.
I am staying with Mr.. Coran tonight,
but / do not want to go alone. /
might take an assistant from the Yard,
but it Is hard to pick a man who has
not criminal investigation depart
ment' stamped upon him. You look
innocent enough, Mr.. Phillips. VIII
you come with us, and lend me