“I have many acquaintances such as the one you chanced to meet in a business way. Such acquaintances are very convenient. They are men in my employ — paid in advance.”
“For what?”
“For steering such persons as you into my capable hands. I know your history, Morton. I can tell you many things about your private affairs.”
“What, for instance?”
“Well,” said Carpenter, as he flicked his cigarette into an ash tray, “I might mention the divorce suit which your wife had considered instituting against you. You and she have been separated for a long while, you know.”
“What about it? She will never start the divorce—”
“I hope not” — Carpenter’s tone was ironic — “on your account. The settlement would probably run into seven figures. More than a million dollars.”
“Let her try it!” sneered Morton. “She claims that she can name a correspondent. What evidence does she have?”
“Three days ago,” observed Carpenter, in a matter-of-fact tone, “you received a letter from a certain woman. You unwisely kept the letter. You also wrote a reply, which you mailed.”
Morton glowered, puzzled.