The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-10-05
CHAPTER K. ThroatC

CHAPTER X.
 Threats.
 It was an unexpected 9hrust, but Eenney luckily was alert. He met Trachtman's eye. and made answer calmly.
 T am glad you put that query on it's true ground-curiosity. I fancy you'd have difficulty in finding another.''
 The tall man showed his teeth in an 5lgly grin.
 Not the least! As a kinsman of Mrs. Dunton I'm quite entitled to de- mand the credentials of a stranger whom I find trespassing upon her hospitality. Of course. you're not the mythical Penney.
 That is my name, nevertheless.'
 The other laughed outright.
 Come, come! You're tcJ clever a performer to waste my time or your own. Suppose we drop all pretenses and admit facts perfectly known to Moth of us. There's isn't any Hubert Penney in this affair - there never has been. And that's a fact, I may add, I've taken some pains to estab- fish. Why, you might as well tell me yon wrote this letter."
 And he pulled from a pocket the fra gments of the sheet Penney had to1 II III two ana lOSSeu 1I1LO tie ufe- place.
 The younger man took a, step Tor ward. "Ill troub- e you for that let ter" he said sharply, but Trachtman merely laughed again and, crumpling the paper, threw it on the floor.
 "Bless you. it's of no consequence to either of us. Both of us are per fectly aware of the identity of the charming authoress. A year or two ago I felt suspicious of the e.aistles from abroad, and took the precaution to submit one of inadvertently left in my way-to an expert.
 Interesting report he made, vastly interesting. especially his conclusions from 8 comparison of exhibit A with exhibit B which chanced to be q note in the lady's ordinary haId. Never 8 doubt in the world, he as- sured me, of the identity. Certain be- traying characterstcs can't be avoded, you understand. But perhaps I'm borng you with such details
 "You can tell me what you please
 '"Thanks!'' said Trachtman dryly.
 ''That happens to be my purpose in this interview. So I'll remark that, following the clue, and causing cer- tain investigations across the ocean, 1 made fairly sure that one Hubert had never been heard of in places in which, according to his letters, he should have been well known. Hence to find Hubert here piques curiosity. Then, too, there are other grounds, as I've suggested for my inquiry-the duty of protecting my aunt from an inpositor. re- peat: ''Who are you, anyway
 My name is Penney, as Eve told you."
 For the moment, perhaps. But what was the name back in the States. as they used to put it out West ?"
 '"Tenney."
 Where did she pick you up?"
 ''You seem to have a talent for tn- estigation-suppose you find out for yourself.''
 Times lacking. Also I don't care to take the trouble. You're on the witness stand-better testify"
 Why should I do so?"
 Ira achtman pulled vigorously at his cigar and exhaled a volume of smoke.
 T don't think you a fool" he said NO, if you hadn't some brains you'd not have been picked for this per formance. Assuming then, that you're reasonably intelligent I hold that you must see clearly enough the futility of standing mute. I've only to introduce my aunt to this little se- eret of ours, you know, to make your position here absolutely untenable."
 Why refrain, then?''
 Trachtman waved a hand "Oh, I've my reasons! One is, I'd really like to know the whole story; there are parts still have to guess at. For example where did our fair pIotter fall in with you? I've kept an eye on her doings md her int h17+ from outside the circle can account for
 Next, why did she call you i'm pr anybody, for that matter? There, though, arrises a complication If she has her fantom suitor prove prove saithless, why produce somebody to lmpersonate him and plead for a | reconciliation? It isn't consistent, in | the light of such knowledge as I | nave. That's why I demand more"
 "I can't admit the force of your l lrgument"
 There speaks hasty youth,' quoth | Trachtman. Better reconsider If ] 1ou don't I may be driven to un- pleasant measures"
 Tenney's air was stubborn. ''I still l see no reason to affirm anything or leny anything"
 Yes; it's a phenomenaFly difficult | 'OS1tl IIdCnCHlan went on. She | s threatened with exposure, disgrace. here's even danger of more practical | punishment
 In other words, you regard her IS in your power? Why hesitate to urn the screws ?"
 Because I'm mercifu1 soul, More 'ver, I'm fond of her-she's an at ractive little schemer. I prefer to ieal with her-and with you-in my 'wn way. That's why, after you've made confession, propose to let you | 20 on condition that you go at once. subsequently, l shall arrange the af- air of the charming sinner to my 'wn satisfaction. In view of other hings I'm disposed to overlook the act that shes a swindler-and'
 Penney broke in savage1y. Take hat back! Shes no swindIer! You znow it as well as I do.'
 Trachtman showed his teeth
 'Oh, if the word stings you I'll withdraw it, but I can't shut my eyes O what she $ done. No matter how