“Modesty is no name for it,” grinned Dale, still endeavoring to be cheerful.
“And this is only the beginning, Sparkfair. If you give in to him now, he’ll suck you dry. You’ll have to pay hush money to that fellow whenever he demands it. You’ll become his slave.”
“Unless I find some way to trip him. All I want is a little time, Randall, and I’ll find a way. In order to get time, I’ve got to hoist the white flag at present. You know where I’d stand if this fellow should tell a few things in the presence of the assembled merrymakers. I can get rid of him at once by forking over the sum he demands. If you don’t help me out, I shall have to give Merriwell the touch, and perhaps he hasn’t that amount in his jeans.”
“It certainly galls me to see you stand for blackmail, Sparkfair.”
“It can’t gall you any worse than it does me, but when a fellow’s guilty he has to cough if the blackmailer puts on the screws. Let’s not procrastinate. I want to hasten Hanks forth into the coolness of the outer air. The knowledge that he is beneath this roof hangs over me like a fog.”
“Do you think he’ll go if he gets the money?”
“He says he will.”
“I wouldn’t do this for any one else, Sparkfair. I haven’t the money in my pocket, but I’ll get it for you.”
“Thanks, a thousand thanks,” said Dale. “I’m so deeply moved that I fear I may fall on your bosom and weep. I won’t forget it, Randall. On my word, I won’t. I’m going to get a twist on Hanks if I live, and I’ll find a way to squirm out of his grip. While I’m planning such a coup I’ll have to soothe him with the long green. I’ll tell him he shall have it directly, but don’t be too long in providing the needful, old man.”
“Don’t worry. If he thinks he’s going to get a hundred, he’ll keep his face closed.”