Speaker 1: 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 men, Miss Armstrong. Please. As
the pair entered, Thornton's curiosity was increased. The woman was
about thirty years of age and strikingly attractive. He 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
a fair covered in black cloth. Mister Thornton, a woman gushed,
advancing with a friendliness that was almost brazen. Thornton arose wonderingly,
I'm afraid you have the advantage of me. I am
miss Bender, Miss Ruth Bender. The collar beamed. I'm sorry
if I've chosen a busy moment to intrude, but I'm
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, mister 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 and seemed to
handle it with extraordinary care. The woman turned to Thornton.
I suppose you're wandering at the reason for my call,
she began. Thornton smiled noncommittally. 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 assent
and withdrew. When the door was closed, the woman turned
to Thornton rather mysteriously, mister Thornton, as a live wire businessman,
I believe you're interested in any legitimate proposition promising unusually
large financial rewards, she began. Thornton breathed a 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 harangues 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, mister Thornton. The
proposition I have in mind is something larger, better, surer.
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. Mister 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. 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 into
the secret unless there is a probability of their being interested.
Like all inventors, she 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 learn 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 risk 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, mister 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'll
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, fifty thousand dollars 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, mister Parker, will you demonstrate your device to
mister 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 every one. 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 for 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, for the upraised lid hid
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 some water quick,
This woman has fainted. The man seemed to grasp the
situation instantly, for he immediately turned and hurried forward 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 amusedly at
the thoroughly mystified and dumb struck Thornton. I thank you
so much for the audience, mister 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. 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
smiled mockingly. It seldom fails. We've taken some wonderfully good
photographs with it. Convinced 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 curtly. She seemed gallingly oblivious to his scorn.
We expect to have a very good photograph of you,
mister Thornton, with me in your arms. It's merely a
question of who considers that photograph of greater value, you
or missus Thornton. We consider it worth to you at
least five thousand dollars. That shouldn't be a staggering sum
to a man who can lay his hand on fifty
thousand 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 missus Thornton. I'm giving you the
first option. So generous of you, Thornton smiled scornfully. 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, interestedly, Is this an everyday occurrence
with you? She smiled, reprovingly. Rich men are not so plentiful,
mister Thornton. Besides, we must pick our time. I never
take chances. I always make sure of my ground first.
You will notice that I chose a time when you
would be least likely to have any callers. But why
all the rigmarole about the mysterious invention, he persisted, I
can't seem to conquer my love of dramatics, mister 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
taking 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, mister 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. Day dreaming, he asked, smiling, Miss Armstrong laughed
rather shamefacedly. 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 baubles. 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 and surmised that it contained
the photograph. He glanced up at her expectantly. I have
good news, mister Thornton, 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, mister 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 five thousand dollars to you. If you don't agree
with me, then I shall strike a bargain with missus
Thornton for it. I'm sure it would interest her. And
if I pay you this five thousand dollars, what is
to prevent you from I'll 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, mister 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 enigmatically, then turned to his
desk and picked up a large envelope, placing the photograph in.
He silently addressed the envelope and sealed it. His visitor
sensed a trick, just a reminder, mister 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 or in answer
to his instructions. Thornton turned to his caller, Now, miss Bender,
is it. I want to thank you for the photograph
and compliment you on the excellence of the work. The
woman's lips curled in contempt, and she laughed carelessly, evidently
confident of herself. I must warn you again, mister 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 discomfiture. 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 glanced at 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. You
can turn me over to the police, but a copy
of the photograph will be in missus 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 it has caught.
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 dictaphone 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 hour's work worth five thousand dollars,
wouldn't you consider your liberty worth that ring? A woman
seemed dumb struck at his words. Why it's 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'm 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
from 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 Missus Thornton would gladly have given you
five thousand dollars for that photograph. That dictaphone you saw
behind the picture was placed there by detectives in the
employ of missus 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 evily at Thornton. Thornton,
for your trickery, I'll reward you by telling you that
Missus Thornton will receive a copy of that photograph in
tomorrow morning's mail, which will 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 mail 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 missus 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 missus 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 nettled 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 daydreaming 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 daydream 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 rapt 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