“Then you are stupider than I ever took you for,” growled the magnate.
“Like most things, it depends on the point of view. I don’t think that you are in any danger of blackmail. But, if I understand the matter, you want your mind relieved of anxiety on the point. Very well, I’ll take the case.”
“That is settled, then,” said the older man briskly. “Now, this being a strictly business deal, we will discuss terms.”
“Oh, there is no room for discussion as to my terms,” said Kent easily. “I make them and you accept them, that’s all.”
Alexander Blair’s eyebrows drew down in a heavy scowl.
“Do you know of an old lady named Orcutt in Annalaka?” pursued the scientist.
“No.”
“She owns the house just next to Annalaka churchyard, where your son was buried as Jane Doe. She is a very worthy old lady. But she suffers severely from asthma. In fact it keeps her awake most of the night. So some interested persons have subscribed money, and sent her south to a sanatorium. I’d like to get you interested in her case.”
“You wish me to subscribe?”
“Oh, more than that. I think it would be a good idea if you were to assume the entire expense of the proceedings.”