“Mrs. Morton has an excellent attorney,” replied Carpenter. “He would pay well for them.”
“A hundred thousand dollars?”
“More, perhaps — after the settlement of the divorce money.”
“Take them to him, then!” stormed Morton.
“With pleasure,” retorted Carpenter. “It was my desire to give you a real opportunity, Morton. I figure that you are good for a hundred thousand — plus the ten I mentioned — and I intend to get it from you. So, after I make arrangements with the lawyer, on this proposition, I shall return to you with another proposal.”
MORTON’S mouth opened wide.
“In my possession,” continued Carpenter, “I have letters that tell of your transactions with the Colondora Power Company. It was quite clever — the way you organized that corporation; then deliberately crowded out the subsidiaries.
“If those facts were known, I think the value of the stock you hold would drop at least ten dollars a share. You have approximately twelve thousand shares, I understand. That would mean a loss of one hundred and twenty thousand dollars, to say nothing of the injury it would do to your prestige and your future negotiations—”
“One moment — one moment — ” Morton’s interruption was a hasty one. “Let me talk to you. I want to ask you some questions—”
The multimillionaire was excited. He was trembling as he made his plea. Carpenter ceased speaking, settled back in his chair, and lighted another cigarette.