“Then I shall wipe him off the slate,” I said. “They'll publish the facts.” “Poor man!” I exclaimed. “You've got one big asset, and you're afraid to claim it. Nothing that you have ever done compares with that term in prison. Your charities have been large, but, after all, their value is doubtful except to you. The old law of evolution isn't greatly in need of your money. But when you went to prison you really did something, old man. The light of a deed like that shines around the world. Let it shine--if it must. Don't hide it under a bushel.” “But not for all I am worth would I have my father's name dishonored, with my mother still alive,” he declared. “Now, as to myself, I am not so much worried. I could bear some disgrace, for it wouldn't alter the facts. I should keep my self-respect, anyhow. But when I think of my wife and children I admit that I am a coward. They're pretty proud, as you know, and the worst of it is they are proud of me. Their pride is my best asset. I couldn't bear to see it broken down. No, what I want is to have you manage this blackmail fund and keep all comers contented. What money you need for that purpose will be supplied to you.” “In my opinion you're unjust to the ladies of your home,” I remarked. “How?” “You should treat them like human beings and not like angels,” I said. “It's their right to share your troubles. They'd be all the better for it.” “Please do as I say,” he answered. “You must remember that they're all I've got.” “Cheer up! I 'll do my best,” was my assurance. “But I shall ask you to let me manage the matter in my own way and with no interference.” “I commit my happiness to your keeping,” he answered. “I wonder that you have got off so cheaply,” I said. “I should think there might have been a dozen pirates in the chase instead of two.” “Circumstances have favored me,” he explained. “I spent my youth in Germany, where I was educated. I had been in America only six months when my father failed. In those days I was known as Jackson W. Norris. In California I got into a row and had my nose broken. I was a good-looking man before that. Then, you see, it has been a rule of my life to keep my face from being photographed. Of course, the papers have had snap-shots of me; but no one who knew me as a boy would recognize this bent nose and wrinkled face of mine. I have discouraged all manner of publicity relating to me and kept my history under cover as a thing that concerned no one but myself.” I had requested that our ride should end at the railroad-station, and we arrived there in good time for my train. “I will ask Wilton, my pirate friend, to call on you,” he said. “Let him call Friday at twelve with a note from you,” I requested. Gwendolyn Norris and Richard Forbes were waiting at the station, the latter being on his way to town. “Going back? You ought to know better,” I said. “So I do, but business is business,” he answered.