“Let us get down to business, Rich. There is no use of trying to bluff me. I’m too old a bird to stand any kind of a jolly. “I can read your character, and you ought to be able to read mine. “If I should go to the police with the information which I possess, you know they would come down on you heavily.” “Wait one moment.” “Let me finish. “I have no desire to injure you if you treat me halfway decently. “Times have been very bad with me lately, and I need money. “I feel convinced that you and your friends have gained by the death of old Lawrence. “In to-day’s paper was published an account of the Lawrence will case, and it was suggested that a search be made for you and the wife and daughter of the murdered man. “The police do not know where you are. “They have no evidence against you. “But I can furnish that evidence. “Now, how much is it worth to you for me to keep silent?” The cabby spoke calmly and deliberately. Rich followed him closely. He frowned, and his fingers worked nervously, as if he were desiring to spring upon the man and strangle him. He did not reply for some moments. He looked around at Darwin and the women. “What shall I do?” was in his eyes. “Pay,” Darwin said, alarmed. Rich turned his eyes on the cabman. “How much do you want?” he asked. “One thousand dollars,” cabby coolly replied, without changing an expression. “Absurd!” “No, it is not.” “It is.” “To keep me quiet one thousand dollars is a small sum.” “How do I know, if I do pay you this sum, that you will not give me away, anyhow?” “I never go back on my word.” “I will give you five hundred.” “Not a cent less than a thousand.” “I can’t give you any such sum as that to-day.” “I won’t be hard on you.” “Thank you.” “You don’t mean that. I’ll take part on account.” “I’ll give you one hundred.” “Make it three.” “I can’t, I tell you.” “I’ll take the century.” “Here it is.” “Now, when will you pay the balance?” “To-morrow.” “Shall I call here?” “No; I will send the money to you.” “At my stand?” “Yes.” “What time?” “Noon.” “Very well.” “It’ll be on hand.” “See that it is.” “What is your name?” “Pete McCree.” “What is the number of your cab?” “Number one hundred and forty-seven.” Cabby started toward the door. Before he turned around, Carter dropped. He ran toward the elevator, which he reached before the door of the room was opened. While standing with his back turned he changed his disguise. Then he got into the elevator. As soon as the detective reached the street he halted near the entrance. When McCree came out he walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. “Hello!” McCree ejaculated. “I’m on hand,” Carter remarked. “So I see.” “How much did you get?” “Not much.” “How much?” “One hundred bones.” “Why didn’t you make him pay more?” “He couldn’t produce to-day, but he will do so to-morrow.” “I get half.” “Certainly.” “You are square.” “I’ll get this note changed.” “I’ll change it.”