“But yesterday a copy of it was presented to me, and I was told that I could have the copy and the original for fifty thousand dollars.
“I temporized and put off further negotiations until to-morrow. Now, that is the whole story. And, Mr. Carter, I am here to say that I will not pay the sum. I will not be blackmailed. I don’t want to be exposed, either; I do not want the disgrace that would follow. My business would be ruined. That is a small matter in one way, for I am a wealthy man, but I do not want to lose the respect and confidence I enjoy.
“In my whole business life I have made this one false step. But, all the same, I will not be blackmailed.
“Now, with handing you this letter, received this morning, I have stated my case.”
He took a letter from his pocket and handed it to Nick. At a glance Nick recognized the paper and the handwriting. It read:
“Mr. Richard F. Mountain: Contrary to my custom, I gave you two days to comply with my demands. Then I thought you asked for time to gather the money required. Reviewing our talk, I see now that you made no promise. I have been lax. I shall not be again. To-morrow you must be prepared to comply. I shall call you to a place to pay the money. Be prompt in your coming. But heed this. Do not call in the services of Nick Carter. Do not talk to him at all.
“The Brown Robin.”
Holding the letter in his hand, Nick asked:
“How was this demand made?”
“By a young man who called on me at my office yesterday afternoon.”
“What name did he give?”