CHAPTER XXVI.
THE DARK JAILERESS AGAIN.
It was a cool compact.
Perry Lamont made answer to his son with all the cleverness of a practiced villain, and Claude accepted it in the same manner.
“I want this man silenced,” continued the millionaire. “He must not possess this secret.”
“Just as you say,” said Claude, picking up a cigar and coolly lighting it.
“He must not, I say. You’ve agreed to finish him, and when you’ve done so the money is yours.”
“Couldn’t you give me a little check now?” asked the son.
Perry Lamont took a check book from the desk and opened it as he looked at his son.
“How much?”
“Say five thousand. I may need the money in the venture, you know.”