'
"'You are right, madam,' I said, trying to appear very stern and
almost failing, she was so pretty. By Jove! you fellows, I wonder I
didn't kiss her; she had such fine eyes, my favourite nose, a ripping
mouth and--"
"Oh! go on! go on with your story. Never mind her looks," Curtis
interrupted, "I've got a touch of indigestion."
"As I was saying," Kelson went on complacently, "I could have kissed
her and I felt downright mean for upsetting her so.
"'Now you have found me out,' she said, 'what do you intend doing?
Show me up in there?' and she pointed shudderingly at the store.
"'No,' I said, 'not if you are sensible and come to terms. I will
agreeto say nothing about either this or any of your other--ahem!--
thefts--if you let me escort you home, and write me out a cheque for
a thousand dollars!'
"'Beast!' she hissed, 'so you are a blackmailer!'
"'A black beetle if you like,' I responded, 'but I assure you, Mrs.
Bater, I am letting you off cheap. I have only to call for a policeman
and your reputation would be gone at once. Besides, I know other
things about you.'
"'What other things?' she stuttered.
"'Well, madam!' I replied, 'some things are rather delicate--er--for
single men like me to mention, but I do know that--er--a lady--very
like--remarkably like--you, has in her pocket at this moment a rattle
which she bought and paid for in Oakland's late last night. And as,
madam, Mr.
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