ut immediately recovering
his poise, he spoke coldly. He even smiled.

"Now that your story is ended, what is the real matter that brought you
here?"

"I represent others," Mr. Hagan informed him evenly, "who, to quote your
own words on a previous occasion, prefer remaining unnamed. If that
hotel should happen to be raided and its record should be
published--together with the name of the owner--it might prove an
embarrassment to you. I'm authorized--under certain conditions--to offer
you immunity against that unpleasant chance."

Eben Tollman rose from his seat. He stood for a moment gazing into the
eyes of the portrait above the mantel and then he spoke with a measured
dignity:

"Mr. Hagan, your proposition is just about what I fancied it would
be--an attempt at blackmail. But it's abortive. I do own the property of
which you speak, but in understanding so precisely the sort of business
done there, you have the advantage of me. This renting has all been
conducted through agents whom I seem to have trusted unduly. You _have_
done me a service in acquainting me with the facts and I thank you for
your information which, I take it is authentic. I shall at once rid
myself of such a despicable property. I shall also place in the hands of
the District Attorney of New York, the facts you have given me, and
suggest that he call upon you to ratify them." The speaker paused
impressively and then swept virtuously into his peroration:

"To the anonymous gentlemen who offer me immunity against a raid--for a
consideration--you may say that I will conduct the matter through the
District Attorney's office. As for yourself, Mr. Hagan, permit me to add
that I regard you as a most extraordinary scoundrel with whom I could
have nothing in common."

The detective, who had been thus conclusively defeated, continued to sit
with an attitude of composure, and spoke without chagrin:

"Hard words ain't going to kill me, and as for the balance of it I don't
most generally lay all my cards on the table at once. You say you'll rid
yourself of this property and that you didn't know how it was being
used. All right, but why didn't you know? You could of known, couldn't
you, if you hadn't taken damned good care _not_ to know? Do you think
that story will stand scrutiny with the public or with your wife?"

"Be good enough," cautioned Tollman ominously, "to leave my wife's name
out of this talk. It's hardly an appropriate combination."

"No,"