The lady walked a trifle unsteadily, and much of her colour was gone. "I can't understand it," she panted; "somebody has played me false." "As the Rev. J.T. Calthorpe is on his way to Sacramento, where he has to remain till to-morrow," Kelson went on pitilessly, "it will be the easiest thing in the world to get those letters. I have merely to call at the house and tell his wife." "And what good will that do you?" the lady asked. "Revenge! I hate the rich," Kelson said. "I would do anything to injure them." "You are a Socialist?" "An Anarchist! But come, you see I know all about you and that I have you completely in my power. If once either your husband or Mrs. Calthorpe gets hold of those letters--you and your lover would have a very unpleasant time of it." "You're a devil!" "Maybe I am--at all events I'm talking to one. But that's neither here nor there. I want money. Give me a thousand dollars and you'll never hear from me again." "Blackmail! I could have you arrested!" "Yes, and I would tell the court the whole history of your intrigues! That wouldn't help you,"--and Kelson laughed. "Could I count on you not molesting me again if I were to pay you?" the lady said mockingly. "You could." "Do you ever speak the truth?" "You needn't judge every one by your own standard of morality--the standard set up by the millionaire's wife," Kelson said. "I swear that if you pay me a thousand dollars I will never trouble you again." The lady grew thoughtful, and for some minutes neither of them spoke. Then she suddenly jerked out: "I think, after all, I'll accept your proposal. Wait outside here and you shall have what you want within an hour." "Not good enough," Kelson said, "I prefer to come with you to your house and wait there." The lady protested, and Kelson consented to wait in the street outside her house, where, eventually, she delivered the money into his hands. "I've kept my word," she said, "and if you're half a man you'll keep yours." Kelson reassured her, and more than pleased with himself, made for the hotel, where the three of them were now stopping. This was merely a beginning. Before the day was out he had secured two more victims. No woman whose character was not without blemish was safe from him--his wonderful newly acquired gift enabling him to detect any vice, no matter how snugly hidden. And this wonderful power of discernment brought with it an expression of mystery and penetration which, by enhancing the effect of the power, made the application of it comparatively easy. Kelson had only to glide after his victim, and with his eyes fixed searchingly on her, to say, "Madam, may I have a word with you?"--and the battle was more than half won--the women were too fascinated to think of resistance.