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146 n't knocked her down and stamped on her in over a month."

Easton sighed. He must change his tactics, evidently.

"I take it," he remarked, in a mournful voice, "that this is a business matter."

"You should have taken it that way before," said Jarrod.

Easton brightened.

"Of course," he rejoined. "How careless of me! But now, I trust, we understand each other. How much, Mr. Jarrod?"

"Eh?"

Easton glanced furtively around to assure himself there were no listeners.

"How much will you take to deliver to me that paper—the option I gave you the other day?"

"Sir!"

"That's all right. Get as indignant as you like, Mr. Jarrod. I admire you for it. But just state your figure and