"I guess that's right," sneered Matthewson. "And how do you want this easy money?"
"In good, crisp bank-notes that one can feel; and before I leave this room."
"Of course you'll give a receipt when it's paid over, setting out the terms of the bargain?"
"Of course, I won't!" retorted Cranston. "You'll have to trust to my honour; that'll be your protection."
"Then the bargain is, if I give you twenty-five thousand dollars, you'll keep this story quiet. If I don't, you'll use it to my injury"
"To your ruin," interrupted Cranston. "I'll drive you and your family out of the State; I'll destroy every shred of your influence, and I'll do it with this story!"
"There are no other terms; no other means by which I can stop you?"
"You bet there isn't; and if this gabble goes on much longer, I'll double my price."
"Then we'll stop it right here. I buy safety for twenty-five thousand dollars, and here's five dollars to bind the bargain. I'm to send out and get the
