The Holly chieftain., 1914-05-22
yNFLET(hER RODlNSON

for hundred pounds. He had Just
sense enough to see that II he al
lowed himself to be blackmailed again
1t would merely encourage further at.
tempt at extortion. So when he ar
rived in town. he took cab to Scot
land Yard. l heard his story, and
caught the next train down to Bren-
don. did not call at the house, but
gathered few details concerning
him and his family. In all particulars
he seems to have spoken the truth" !"
Must the hundred pounds be placed
In the summer house tonight?"
mo. The blackmailer gave him .
day to collect the money. 1t must be
in the locker tomorrow night by eleven
O'Clock"
Which means that you will watch
the place and pull out the fish az he
takes the bait. 1t seems simple
enough. anyhow"
"Oh. yes" he said. But 1t is the
faulty sense of proportion in Coran
which provides the interest in tho
case. Even at the time the scandal
was no very serious matter. What
must be his frame OF mind that It
should terrorize him after all these
years?"
When left him half an hour later
1t was with the promise that l should
have first news OF the comedy's con.
clusion-for tragedy 1t certainly was
not, save for the blackmailer, II Peace
should catch him.
The following afternoon 1 was sit
ting In my studio with the cigarette
that comes SO pleasantly after tea and
outtered toast-between my lips, when
my servant. jacob Hendry. thrust In
MS mead 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.
We want your assistance, Mr.. Phil
lips"
The long man stood staring at me
and screwing his hands together In
evident agitation. He had 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 fagrantly. respectable,
am taking great liberty, SIR"
he said humbly, but you are. as it
were, straw to one who is sinking
beneath the waters OF affliction. DO
you, by chance. know the town OF
Brendon?"
Il have never been SO fortunate as
to visit It," told him.
Il understand from the police ON.
Ger here that you have Travelled
abroad. Accustomed, therefore. to
the corruption that taints the munt.
cipal life OF other cities, you can
scarcely comprehend the whoiesouled
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 l myself have risen
through successive grades until even
the houses OF parliament seemed
within the limit Of legitimate ambi.
tion. But now, sir, now 1t seems that.
through boyish indiscretion when q
student at the Regents street poly.
technic. may be denounced in nv nd.
vancing years as a roysterer, tippIer.
almost convicted criminal. They
would not hesitate. Mark my words.
sir, II 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 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 ] can help you, Mr. Coran, l ami
at your disposal told him.
1T is a matter OF considerable deli.
cacy," he said. my younger daueh.
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 an.
pearance overwhelmingly theatrt.
cal"
You surprise me-"
"He has been known to visit music