! This must never be known. How much do you want? Tell me
quick, and let us get through with this terrible business."

"I am quite as anxious as you are, madame. The amount depends upon how
much you are prepared to give."

"You want me to mortgage this place, I suppose. You will not be
satisfied with a small amount."

"Indeed I shall. Surely you must have some money on hand now. That
will be sufficient for the present. Then, when you sell your mine, you
might remember your benefactor."

"Benefactor! Robber you should say," Mrs. Hampton indignantly
retorted. "To think that I should be held up by such a person as you.
But it cannot be helped, I suppose. Will one hundred dollars satisfy
you? It is all I have."

Grimsby bowed, and waved his hand in an eloquent manner.

"It will be very acceptable to me just now. One hundred dollars! It
seems like a fortune to me. It will do nicely."

Mrs. Hampton rose to her feet, and remained for a few seconds
thoughtfully silent. Then she turned toward Grimsby.

"If I give you this money, Gabriel, how can I trust you to keep this
secret?"

"I give you my word of honour, madame. Bring the Bible, and I shall
swear by it."

Mrs. Hampton gave a deep sigh as she turned toward the door of the
house. "I am afraid, Gabriel, that your word of honour isn't worth
much, and that the Bible wouldn't make any difference. However, I
suppose I shall have to trust you. Just wait a minute."

Grimsby was greatly pleased with himself now. His eyes were turned
toward the river, fixed upon the white sail which was much nearer. He
had accomplished his object easier than he had expected. In a short
time Mrs. Hampton returned, and handed him a roll of bills.

"There, you will find the full amount," she quietly told him. "It is
all I have in the house. I hope you are satisfied."

Grimsby was about to speak, when a raucous toot of an auto down the
road caused Mrs. Hampton to turn suddenly. At once her face went very
white, and she laid her hand heavily upon the man's arm.

"It's John!" she gasped. "Leave at once!"

In an instant Grimsby was on his feet. He seized his hat, leaped down
the steps, rushed toward the gate, and was walking rapidly down the
road as the car sped up. The driver hailed him in passing. He waved
in reply, and then hurried on his way. Grimsby was not anxious to meet
John Hampton just then.

CHAPTER XV

TWO WOMEN'S TROUBLES

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