"On the other side," declared Forrester, "we lived and tramped and fought with spies and informers at our elbows. Enemy agents, ready to turn a dastardly trick at any moment, were on every hand. Though conditions were just ripe for them, sooner or later we spotted them—practically every one. Do you mean to tell me that here, in a peaceful, law-abiding city, with trained police and intelligent detectives, we can’t run down a blackmailing crew like this one?" "That is exactly what has happened," said Prentice. "And you want me to believe that every one of the victims has given up without a fight; that no real effort has been made to apprehend these desperadoes?" "My, no!" exclaimed Prentice. "Several of the men threatened went to the police. The police put their best men on the case for weeks, but so far as I know, they never discovered a worth while clue." "What happened to those men who resisted?" inquired Forrester. "They either finally acceded to the demands, or were found dead. That is why I warned you to pay and say nothing. Remember, Bob, you have been away for a long period, while I have stayed on right here in the city a greater part of the time. I know exactly what has transpired in this matter; I speak from _actual experience_." "Experience?" questioned Forrester, noting something significant in the stress which Prentice laid on his last words. "Young man," said Prentice, shaking a finger at Forrester, "you may have had wider experience with some angles to life than I have had. On the other hand, I possess the calmer judgment that comes with advancing years. And I know more about _this_ situation than you do. I advise you to draw ten thousand dollars from that ample bank account of yours, put it in that tree before midnight Saturday, and consider yourself lucky to get off so easily." "I’ll not do it!" declared Forrester. Prentice extended his hand. "Let me see that paper, Bob," he requested. The paper was handed over and Prentice studied it carefully. "Yes," commented Prentice, slowly, as he handed back the message. "It is unquestionably from the same people. That is a duplicate of the warning which I received." "Did you get one, too?" exclaimed Forrester. "A year ago—just about this time," divulged Prentice. "In fact, so far as I know, I was the first man upon whom the demand was made. When I went to the police about it, they claimed that it was the first time anything of the kind had come to their attention." "Tell me about it, Prentice," urged Forrester. "I will," agreed Prentice. "After you have heard _my_ experience, you will realize more fully why I have told you to pay and say nothing.