Part 28 (1/2)

”But blackmail----!”

”I've got to, Nichols--this time. I've got to.”

”I wouldn't, sir,” said Peter stoutly.

”But you don't know everything. I've only told you part,” said McGuire, almost whining. ”This is no ordinary case--no ordinary blackmail. I've got to be quick. I'm going to get the money--I'm going to get you to go to New York and get it.”

”Me!”

”Yes. Yes. This is Wednesday. I can't take any chances of not having it here Friday. Peggy is going back this afternoon. I'll get her to drive you up. I'll 'phone Sheldon to expect you--he'll give you the money and you can come back to-morrow.”

”But to-night----”

”He knows the danger of trying to reach me. That's why he wrote this. I won't be bothered to-night. I'll shut the house tight and put some of the men inside. If he comes, we'll shoot.”

”But Friday----Do you mean, sir, that you'll go out to him with five thousand dollars and risk----”

”No, I won't. _You_ will,” said McGuire, watching Peter's face craftily.

”Oh, I see,” replied Peter, aware that he was being drawn more deeply into the plot than he had wished. ”You want me to meet him.”

McGuire noted Peter's dubious tone and at once got up and laid his hands upon his shoulders.

”You'll do this for me, won't you, Nichols? I don't want to see this man. I can't explain. There wouldn't be any danger. He hasn't anything against you. Why should he have? I haven't any one else that I can trust--but Stryker. And Stryker--well--I'd have to tell Stryker. _You_ know already. Don't say you refuse. It's--it's a proof of my confidence.

You're just the man I want here. I'll make it worth your while to stay with me--well worth your while.”

Peter was conscious of a feeling partly of pity, partly of contempt, for the cringing creature pawing at his shoulders. Peter had never liked to be pawed. It had always rubbed him the wrong way. But McGuire's need was great and pity won.

”Oh, I'll do it if you like,” he said, turning aside and releasing himself from the clinging fingers, ”provided I a.s.sume no responsibility----”

”That's it. No responsibility,” said McGuire, in a tone of relief.

”You'll just take that money out--then come away----”

”And get nothing in return?” asked Peter in surprise. ”No paper--no receipt----?”

”No--just this once, Nichols. It will keep him quiet for a month or so.

In the meanwhile----” The old man paused, a crafty look in his eyes, ”In the meanwhile we'll have time to devise a way to meet this situation.”

”Meaning--precisely what?” asked Peter keenly.

McGuire scowled at him and then turned away toward the window.

”That needn't be your affair.”

”It won't be,” said Peter quickly. ”I'd like you to remember that I came here as a forester and superintendent. I agreed also to guard your house and yourself from intrusion, but if it comes to the point of----”

”There, there, Nichols,” croaked McGuire, ”don't fly off the handle.