Page:The Millbank Case - 1905 - Eldridge.djvu/247

 features. In this all who were concerned in employing you are agreed."

"How long since?" the man demanded insolently.

"That is of no consequence," Matthewson said. "You are now informed of the fact, so that your new instructions date from this moment."

"It's too late for you to accomplish anything by that dodge," he said. "I've found out who Wing's mother is. The story's worth money. I'll give you the first chance to buy. Do you want it?"

Matthewson trembled, as he realised the full significance of this demand. More than his mother possibly could, he knew how such a story would be received; how impossible it would be, once set afloat, to stop it or overcome it. Still, he put on a bold front.

"Whatever you may have learned, it was while you were under our pay. The information belongs to us and you can't afford to make it a matter of barter."

"What I've found out," Cranston returned de