worth a million--indeed several millions to you, as you are now
situated. You have talked long enough in the dark, Mr. Allen. For some
time back there have been in your importations violations of the
revenue laws. I have only to give the facts in my possession to the
proper authorities and the government would legally claim from you a
million of dollars, of which I should get half. So you see that I am
positively worth five hundred thousand, and to you I am worth a
million with respect to this item alone."

Mr. Allen sprang excitedly to his feet. Mr. Fox coolly got up and
edged toward the door, which he had purposely left unlatched.

"Moreover," continued Mr. Fox, in his hard metallic voice, "in view of
your other operations in Wall Street, which I know all about, the loss
of a million would involve the loss of all you have."

Mr. Fox now had his hand on the door-knob, and Mr. Allen was glaring
at him as if purposing to rush upon him and rend him to pieces.

Standing in the passageway, Mr. Fox concluded, in a low, meaning tone:

"You had better make terms with me within twenty-four hours."

And the door closed sharply, reminding one of the shutting of a steel
trap.

Mr. Allen sank suddenly back in his chair and stared at the closed
door, looking as if he were a prisoner and all escape cut off.

He seemed to be in a lethargy or under a partial paralysis; he slowly