Emmons County record. [volume] (Williamsport, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1884-current, 1920-10-07

Sidney had seen him about the wharf
and had been attracted to him. They
had talked enough for Mr.. Sidney to
learn Of Jed's ambition for comfort
able life on shore. Mr.. Sidney gave
him the chance to realize 1t in our
house.
"Jed, after he was taken into the
house, found that Mr.. Sidney used
great precautions with something
which he locked in box. When ORA
vada came, he also saw the box which
Mr.. Sidney seemed to guard so care
fully. Dravada decided to steal what
ever was in the box. Jed found him
in the act. They fought, but Jed re-
tanned the contents-Mr. Sidney's nan.
uscript."
"Then Jed knows the secret?" ]
asked.
HE does"
"And Dravada does not?"
HE cannot Know any more than you
know from reading this one sheet from
the manuscript"
"Where is the manuscript"
sled has It."
"Does Mr.. Sidney know that?"
mot yet. You have been wondering
at Jed's control in the house. He has
the manuscript, and he knows the
story which for your own sake would
not have you know. He presumes upon
his knowledge"
"But doesn't Mr.. Sidney ever want
to see the manuscript he sets such
store by?" asked.
mo. He wants to know 1t is in his
strong box. If he ever finds that 1t
is not, we shall have to meet the stu
alton somehow God knows how"
"Then this sailor and this blackmail-
ing lawyer know no more than know
now?" a
"NO more. so far as I am aware"
Brown, the lawyer came to Hartley
house the next day to see me. think
he regarded his plan of blackmafl as
irresistible. I wonder that he did not
have an express wagon and large
chest with him. He was amiable and
expectant.
"You have decided?" he said as Jed,
having brought him to me on the porch,
went away. He had his cane and his
gloves and his nap-worn suit.
"You get nothing" said, land may
act upon that information"
The disappointment was unpleasant
70 ko 81
effect, I'd say it was catastrophe. He
sat down suddenly in the nearest wick
err chair, and his face became ugly IN
appearance.
'You must know. DOCTOR" he said,
shat I am nerved to the performance
of my duty by the thought Of wife
and two daughters for whom have
provided indifferently. will not say
that their situation is desperate, but
1t may make me desperate. feel that
we have a claim here which might easf
lily be adjusted" 81
for blackmafl," I said, land none of
them concea1s your meaning. If your
wife and daughters are in need, you
might approach Mrs. Sidney as the
almOner of MFR. Sidney's chaMties.
That, at least, would be an honest
statement Of your case, and it might
be effective"
He frightened at once.
II thank you for lesson in proceed.
ure,"' he said. 1--WE shall consider 1t
upon such an. understanding"
I saw the mistake had made. a
II assure you" 1 said, "you may con-
slider nothing upon tire terms you wish;
to have considered in this house. Your
attempt ut blackmail is so unconsid:
cred that you may go shrek to the
world or to the prosecuting attorney.
The family is not interested in, you or
your client"
The shabby little fellow seemed to
get blue-nosed and blue-lipped in dis
appointment.
II am sure you cannot have consid.
cred your interests" he said. "Mr.
and Mrs. Sidney certainly do not want
scandal"
Certainly not. How are they threat:
ened with one?'' I
But the manuscript indicates one"
docs it, I have read 1t. and knew
nothing. You have read it. What dc
you known 4
II bcan read English" he said with
spirit. II read in Mr.. Sidney's hand.
writing that he had committed a crime
and that he was committing an indis.
erection in putting the account on
paper"
II cannot correct your convictions:
said. you must use your best judg
/. ment. You have our permission to dc
anything that suggests itself to YOU
you're going to brazen It out" hi
cried.
1--WE are not going to do anything Al
ALL" said, mot seeing any necessity
for doing anything. might merely
suggest to you that there are legal
provisions against blackmail."
The quiet little man, with his no
lions Of profit evaporating, suddenly
became savage and desperate.