Page:Barr--Stranleighs millions.djvu/41

Rh "Then the word is 'yes,' I have it in my power, as I told you, to crush John Bendale to-morrow. I shall refrain from doing so. I shall purchase his property at the terms you have indicated. I will write to him any sort of letter which you are pleased to dictate."

"Thank you, Mr. Brassard. My cheque will be in your hands by the first post to-morrow morning, or, as I happen to have my cheque-book with me, I will give it to you now."

"Oh, to-morrow morning will do, but it must be made out for twenty-five thousand pounds. Lord Stranleigh."

"What!"

"I said I must receive your cheque for twenty-five thousand pounds. Come, my lord, you will never miss it, and I can do with the money. Not a word will ever be spoken by me of those admissions you made under cross-examination, as you called it."

"You frightened me so thoroughly, Mr. Brassard, when you spoke of blackmail, that I should hesitate to write a cheque for the amount you mention, fearing the transaction might bear some taint of that misdemeanour."

"You are not suggesting that I am making an attempt to blackmail you. Lord Stranleigh?"

"Oh, no; you are merely taking advantage of the situation which your own genius has disclosed. I have been but clay in your hands, Mr. Brassard.