Page:The Millbank Case - 1905 - Eldridge.djvu/250

 pay you for it, regardless of the injury it may do me or any one connected with me?"

"That's about it, in plain English."

"It's it, isn't it?"

"Yes, it's it."

"And you think that this information, if made public, would do me and those connected with me harm."

"I don't know what you call harm, if it wouldn't. 'Twould be the end of the Matthewson family, socially and politically. They'd have to find another boss for Maine after this thing got out."

"It's just as well," said the lawyer, "to keep within bounds in your remarks; they're as likely to accomplish your purpose."

But Cranston was smarting under his previous failure. He had tried to deal squarely with Mrs. Matthewson and had met refusal and insult. There was the possibility that, had he adopted a higher tone, he would have succeeded. He was resolved not to fail from the same cause this time.

"I'm answering questions," he said, "and I'll an