Thornton Smiled Significantly

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Thornton smiled significantly by David Morrison.

One.

There is a lady outside who wishes to see you. There is a man with her.

What's the name Thornton asked visibly annoyed at the untimely intrusion?

She would give no name. She said you would not know her. She seems very anxious to see you.

Thornton reflected a few moments. It was rather early for callers and he had been about to dictate his morning mail.

He resented the visit, but for some reason he could not fathom.

He felt a slight curiosity as to the identity of his callers.

He turned suddenly to his secretary.

Show the man Miss Armstrong, please.

As the pair entered Thornton's curiosity was increased.

The woman was about thirty years of age and strikingly attractive.

She was expensively gowned and bore all the earmarks of wealth.

But her companion was rather shabbily dressed and impressed one as a servant of the woman.

The woman entered first. The man followed behind her slowly, almost timidly.

Thornton noticed that he clutched in his hand a large square box-like affair covered in black cloth.

Mr. Thornton, the woman gushed, advancing with a friendliness that was almost brazen.

Thornton arose wonderingly.

I am afraid you have the advantage of me.

I am Miss Bender, Miss Ruth Bender, the caller beamed.

I am sorry if I have chosen a busy moment to intrude, but I am sure you will pardon me when the nature of my visit is made known.

Thornton motioned his visitor to a seat, and as she drew up a chair looked up questioningly at her companion.

She seemed to have forgotten the man, and now she turned toward him in sudden remembrance.

Just take a chair, Mr. Parker, she said, making no move to introduce her companion, who was standing a few feet away, gazing stupidly about the room, and shifting from one foot to another.

He made no effort to put down the cloth-covered object he was holding.

At the sound of the woman's voice the man turned dully, found a chair, and sat down, making no move to draw the chair closer, evidently not considering himself a party to the conference.

He held the black box on his lap, as seemed to handle it with extraordinary care.

The woman turned to Thornton.

I suppose you're wondering at the reason for my call, she began.

Thornton smiled, non-committally.

It's something of the greatest importance, the stranger continued, so I chose a time when I thought we would be least likely to be interrupted.

It's of a very confidential nature. We will not be disturbed.

Thornton found himself wondering just what it was about this woman that he did not like, but she had now aroused his curiosity, and he determined to give her an audience.

He rang for his secretary.

Will you see that I am not disturbed for the next ten minutes? He said to Miss Armstrong when she entered.

The girl nodded ascent and withdrew.

When the door was closed the woman turned to Thornton, rather mysteriously.

Mr. Thornton, as a live wire businessman I believe you're interested in any legitimate proposition promising unusually large financial rewards? She began.

Thornton breathed the sigh of relief tinged with disappointment.

The woman's manner and method of approach had wedded his curiosity and expectations, but he now prepared to listen to the usual harangs of the expert stock salesman.

I'll warn you beforehand, he interrupted. I am not interested in stocks of any nature.

The woman smiled knowingly. I haven't come to sell you any stock, Mr. Thornton. The proposition I have in mind is something larger, better, sure.

The rewards are, well, tremendous.

She leaned forward suddenly with an air of utmost confidence. Her voice was almost a whisper, and she glanced occasionally at the man who had accompanied her, and who was busy fixing the mysterious box

in a comfortable position on his lap.

Mr. Thornton, the woman said in a low voice, that man there has a device that is destined to earn tremendous rewards for its owners.

Thornton glanced at the box on the man's lap with renewed interest.

What is it, he asked?

That I cannot divulge at this time. If you are interested, I will have him explain in detail. It is his own invention, and naturally he is very jealous of his secrets.

He will let no one enter the secret, unless there is a probability of there being interested.

Like all inventors you went on, he is in need of financial assistance.

If he should show his device to you now, you would grasp the secret immediately.

Our proposition is this. It will require a considerable amount of capital to float this thing properly.

But when you once learned the secret, you will readily agree that it is the surest investment a man could possibly make.

The question is not whether it is a sure or risky investment. There is no doubt of its feasibility. But a question solely of finances.

It will take up considerable money, and we do not wish to take up your time, or our own, unless you are readily able to handle a proposition of this size.

That would, of course, depend entirely upon my own opinion of its merit, Thornton replied, mystified, and curious to learn the nature of the device.

Certainly, Mr. Thornton, the woman returned, we could hardly expect anyone to interest themselves in something they have no confidence in.

But it is not a question of confidence. The moment you learn the secret, you will agree with us that the potential rewards in it are tremendous.

Now, granting that you are interested, would you be able to finance a proposition requiring a considerable sum of money?

Could you lay your hands on, say, $50,000 cash at any moment?

Double that amount, if the proposition is worth it, Thornton replied, now really anxious to learn more about the mysterious box on the stranger's lap.

Good, the woman answered, enthusiastically. She turned to the man who had accompanied her.

Mr. Parker, will you demonstrate your device to Mr. Thornton?

The man arose and stood by his chair, as he fumbled with several small contrivances on the mysterious box.

He made no effort to advance closer to Thornton's desk.

The woman leaned closer to Thornton confidentially and whispered to him.

He's suspicious of everyone. He won't show you the complete details now, but you'll learn enough when you see it in operation.

It will surprise you, I assure you.

The man was facing directly toward Thornton, as he fumbled in his pocket, or an object, which he lay on top of the box.

A false lid was raised, and Thornton could not see what the object was, that the man placed on the box, or the upraised lid, hit it from view.

The man seemed to have trouble in working some of the mysterious parts, for he finally laid the box on the chair by his side, to give him entire freedom of both hands.

He bent down over the box for a few seconds while he worked with something behind the upraised lid.

Suddenly the woman at Thornton's side uttered a half-smothered shriek, and clasped her hands to her heart.

Thornton turned quickly in alarm. The woman's eyes were widely dilated for a moment, as if in extreme agony. Then she suddenly slumped over in a faint.

She would have fallen, but Thornton quickly reached out his arm and caught her. He supported her in his arm while he looked up at the man.

Gets of water, quick! This woman has fainted. The man seemed to grasp the situation instantly, for he immediately turned, and hurried for the door leading to the outer office.

As he did so, there was a sudden, blinding flash of light, from the mysterious box on the chair.

The events in the next few moments happened with dramatic rapidity. The man turned suddenly at the flash of light, grabbed the mysterious box, and hurried out of the office.

The unconscious woman in Thornton's arms suddenly revised, fixed her slightly disarrayed hat and gown, and arose to take her departure.

She smiled amusingly at the thoroughly mystified and dumb-struck Thornton.

I thank you so much for the audience, Mr. Thornton, she smiled, but I do not want to take up any more of your time than is absolutely necessary.

We'll return at this time tomorrow, with the photograph.

Photograph? Thornton repeated. The light of comprehension entering his eyes.

Yes, provided, of course, that it proves to be a good one. If it should not turn out to be clear enough, we won't bother you again.

Then that mysterious invention was a camera of the woman's wild mockingly. It seldom fails. We've taken some wonderfully good photographs with it.

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Convince now that the woman's motives were ulterior, Thornton confronted her with the feeling of resentment, at having been tricked so easily.

I'm a busy man, Miss Bender. Give me your proposition in as few words as possible, he said currently.

She seemed gallingly oblivious to his scorn.

We expect to have a very good photograph of you, Mr. Thornton, with me in your arms.

It's merely a question of who considers that photograph of greater value? You or Mrs. Thornton?

We consider it worth to you at least $5,000. That shouldn't be a staggering sum to a man who can lay his hand on 50,000 cash at any moment he desires.

And suppose I don't consider it worth, or rather suppose I refuse to pay the blackmail.

Then of course I shall make the best bargain possible with Mrs. Thornton. I'm giving you the first option.

So generous of you, Thornton smiles gornfully. She seemed entirely unabashed, and stood waiting expectantly, as if never doubting the final acceptance of her offer.

Thornton was interested in the woman's method. She seemed so confident in herself.

Tell me, he said interestingly, is this an everyday occurrence with you?

She smiled reprovingly.

Rich men are not so plentiful, Mr. Thornton. Besides, we must pick our time. I never take chances. I always make sure of my ground first.

You will notice and I chose a time when you would be least likely to have any colors.

But why all the rigmarole about the mysterious invention he persisted?

I can't seem to conquer my love of dramatics, Mr. Thornton, the woman replied smiling sheepishly.

I once followed the profession, you know, until I discovered there were greater returns in my present one.

Besides, it is rather difficult to prepare to take a flashlight in a man's office without exciting his suspicion.

The curtain covering the lens of the camera, you will recall, was not drawn back until the exact moment before the charge of powder was ignited.

All a matter of mechanism. She explained rather proudly.

I suppose the returns are very gratifying, he queried, noticing a huge diamond on her finger.

I have no complaint, she replied, not taken aback in the slightest. Sometimes it is rather embarrassing, but I try to cause as little trouble as possible.

And is that part of your returns, Thornton asked, pointing to the stone on her finger which was flashing brilliantly in the early morning sunlight?

She gazed proudly at the diamond.

Isn't it gorgeous, she said enthusiastically?

Thornton knew enough of precious stones to realize that the ring must have cost several thousand dollars.

The diamond was extraordinarily large and very fine cut. The woman turned suddenly to go.

Well, Mr. Thornton, I know you're a busy man so I won't take up any more of your time, today.

If we have been unfortunate in our photography, we will not bother you again.

If it comes up to our expectations, I shall return tomorrow at this time for your decision.

Thornton bowed her out admiring, in spite of himself, the woman's self-possession and complete confidence.

A few moments later he rang for his secretary, anxious to get his day's mail off his mind,

so that he could give thought to the new problem that had thrust itself upon him.

He waited a few moments, and was surprised that Miss Armstrong was not as prompt as usual in answering.

He looked into the outer office and found her at her desk, gazing dreamily out the window, apparently oblivious to her surroundings.

He called her wonderingly. She rose with a start, and smiling sheepishly, followed him into his office.

Daydreaming he asked, smiling, Miss Armstrong laughed, rather shame facetly.

Yes, and a very foolish thing to dream about. I was picturing myself wearing the ring worn by the lady who just left.

It was beautiful, wasn't it, he conceded.

Oh, it was wonderful, the secretary exclaimed, with beaming eyes.

From the expression on the girl's face Thornton could understand how some women sold their souls for less expensive bubbles.

Two, promptly at ten thirty the next morning Miss Bender called, and was ushered immediately into Thornton's private office.

Thornton nodded a pleasant greeting and offered her a chair.

He noticed a large envelope in her hand, as surmised that it contained the photograph.

He glanced up at her, expectantly.

I have good news, Mr. Thornton. Miss Bender smiled. That is, good news if you look at it from my viewpoint.

You succeeded in getting a good photograph?

Excellent. It could not be clearer.

He found himself wondering why he was able to joke so pleasantly with this woman, who had so easily tricked him, and then laughed at his stupidity.

Now, would you mind giving me your proposition in detail, Miss?

There is nothing that I did not tell you yesterday, Mr. Thornton, she interrupted.

I have the photograph here which my assistant took yesterday. It is a first-class likeness of yourself holding me in your arms.

I believe it should be worth at least $5,000 to you.

If you do not agree with me, then I shall strike a bargain with Mrs. Thornton for it.

I am sure it would interest her.

And if I pay you this $5,000, what is to prevent you from?

I will give you the negative also, and my word of honor, that I shall make no further attempt to use the incidents against you.

Thornton smiled at the reference to her word of honor.

You realize, I suppose, he said slowly, and with emphasis, that this is pure blackmail.

Please don't use that word, Mr. Thornton, the woman returned mockingly.

There are so many nicer ways of expressing it.

Would you mind allowing me to see what I am asked to pay such a sum of money for?

Thornton said, changing the subject abruptly.

His visitor obligingly produced the photograph, and handed it over.

From the attitude of the two in the picture, it would certainly be conclusive evidence in any divorce court.

Thornton gazed at it a few moments, smiled, inigmatically, then turned to his desk and picked up a large envelope.

Placing the photograph inside, he silently addressed the envelope and sealed it.

His visitor sensed a trick.

Just a reminder, Mr. Thornton, that you haven't paid for the photograph yet, and another reminder that I still have the negative, and can make as many duplicates as I choose.

Thornton made no reply, but turned and faced the door, leading to his outer office.

Have you everything so far miss Armstrong? He asked without raising his voice.

The woman turned quickly on her guard, but she saw no one.

The man at the desk was evidently talking to the wall.

She glanced hurriedly about the office, then turned and stared wonderingly at Thornton.

Three short, sharp knocks sounded on the outer door. Thornton smiled.

You may cut the wires now, Miss Armstrong, please. He said pleasantly.

Two short knocks sounded on the door, and answered to his instructions.

Thornton turned to his collar.

Now Miss Bender is it? I want to thank you for the photograph and compliment you on the excellence of the work.

The woman slips curled in contempt, and she laughed carelessly, evidently confident of herself.

I must warn you again, Mr. Thornton, that I still have the negative.

It's a matter of a few minutes to make a duplicate of that photograph.

Thornton ignored her remark as he continued.

I will admit that I consider the photograph easily worth the amount you ask.

But as long as it is not necessary to purchase it, why should I?

The woman arose furious and prepared to make her departure.

Just a moment, please, Thornton said quietly.

I'll have to ask my secretary to unlock the door before you can go.

The woman rushed angrily to the door, for she believed Thornton was bluffing.

She tried the knob and found the door locked.

She turned to the man at the desk, with challenging eyes.

Well, what's the game, she panted? Her first doubt beginning to assail her sense of security?

Won't you sit down a few moments, Thornton said, smiling at her discomforture?

Miss Bender obeyed, then turned as if waiting for his next move.

I think you told me your profession was a very well-paid one, he began.

His visitor clasted him venomously and made no reply.

Assuming that your words are true, I should think your liberty would be worth something to you.

Miss Bender turned her face ugly in its mask of baffled rage.

He can turn me over to the police, but a copy of the photograph will be in Mrs. Thornton's hands tomorrow, she said furiously.

My assistant will attend to that, and what I will swear to on the witness stand will be plenty.

Thornton smiled at her anger. Somehow he felt a curious sense of pleasure in playing with her, as a cat does, before eating the mouse at his cot.

My secretary has taken down every word that has passed between us this morning, he resumed.

He arose and pulled aside a large picture hanging on the wall.

The woman turned and saw a dictophone, and knew the man was not bluffing.

You realize, I suppose, that it is within my power, too? Well, what's your proposition the blackmailer demanded impatiently?

Thornton reached over and pointed to the ring on her finger.

If you consider a half-hours work worth $5,000, wouldn't you consider your liberty worth that ring?

The woman seemed dumbstruck at his words. Why, its preposterous, she exclaimed, seething with fury?

That's according to the viewpoint you adopt, Thornton replied, quietly, with a note of triumphant mockery in his voice.

I am busy, Miss Bender, but I'll grant you ten minutes to make your decision.

Hand over that ring on your finger, and I'll give you your freedom, and make no attempt at prosecution for your attempted blackmail.

Otherwise, I shall be compelled to telephone for the police.

After a few minutes deliberation, the woman suddenly tore the ring for her finger and threw it angrily on his desk.

An almost imperceptible sob escaped her lips.

Thornton picked up the ring and placed it in his pocket.

Before you go, Miss Bender, I want to add to your disappointment by telling you that Mrs. Thornton would gladly have given you $5,000 for that photograph.

That dictophone you saw behind the picture was placed there by detectives in the employ of Mrs. Thornton.

She suspected that I was in love with my secretary.

I pretended ignorance and allowed the instrument to remain, though I knew of its presence from the beginning.

It was an easy matter to run in another wire for my stenographer yesterday, in readiness for your return.

He pressed the button on the desk, and Miss Armstrong unlocked the door and entered.

He handed her the envelope containing the photograph.

Will you please mail that for me at once Miss Armstrong and register it, please?

The girl took the package and left the office.

The woman took advantage of her opportunity and gained the safety of the outer office.

She turned and glared evenly at Thornton.

Well, Mr. Thornton, for your trickery, I'll reward you by telling you that Mrs. Thornton will receive a copy of that photograph in tomorrow morning's mail.

Which, while particularly interest her, Thornton replied, smiling, as she will receive the original in this afternoon's mail.

My secretary has just mailed it to her by registered mail.

You mailed that to your wife, the woman gasped incredulously?

Certainly. You see, Miss Bender, a divorce is the best thing that could possibly be handed to both Mrs. Thornton and myself.

Our marriage is one that was never destined to last.

It has survived this long only because of lack of sufficient grounds for divorce.

And I would not think of bringing any unpleasant notoriety to any lady, until you obligingly handed me what both Mrs. Thornton and myself have been seeking for months.

Good day, and thank you so much.

The woman stormed out of the office, furious at the circumstances that had robbed her of the large sum she had expected, and netalled by the taunting mockery in her intended victim's voice.

A few minutes later, Miss Armstrong returned. She handed her employer the postal receipt for the registered package.

Got it off all right, he smiled?

Yes, it will probably be delivered this afternoon.

Good, he smiled rather anxiously. He turned suddenly to the girl.

Balance, what was it you were day dreaming over yesterday when you couldn't hear my ring for dictation?

The girl gazed at him and smiling uncertainty for a moment, the incident not coming to her instantly.

Oh, about the ring that woman was wearing, she replied, laughing sheepishly.

Well, it was one day dream that came true, Thornton said, reaching in his vest pocket.

He withdrew his hand and placed the ring on her finger.

The girl's eyes widened in astonishment as she stared at the sparkling stone in disbelief.

Why, it's just like the one that woman wore, she breathed in wrapped admiration?

The stone is fully as large.

Yes, it does resemble it somewhat, doesn't it? Thornton smiled significantly.

The end of Thornton smiled significantly by David Morrison.

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