THE EYE

“Well, that’s the story, Professor. I realize now that I was a fool to pay off on those first two blackmailing notes. But if I hadn’t…” Anthony Lane shrugged dejectedly. “I did steal this money the writer accuses me of—twenty-five years ago. But I repaid every penny. And twenty years ago I made a fresh start in this state. I’ve worked hard and honestly and I’ve been fortunate. I want to serve in the Senate—but you know as well as I that if my past is exposed my political career is ended. And this appears the chief purpose of the blackmailer. Will you help me?”

Fordney would. He studied the last of the poorly spelled, illiterately scrawled blackmail letters.

Lane:

get anuther grand reddy by wensday; or else. And get out of Sennit race by then, or the peepul will no you are a cru.

Yrs, “The Eye”

Three days later “The Eye,” Ed Morrel, walked into Fordney’s trap.

* * * *

The criminologist leaned back in his chair, “Morrel, comparison of these specimens of your known handwriting with these blackmail threats, proves you wrote both. Well?”

Relief showed on Lane’s face.

“Yeah, I wrote ’em,—so what?” challenged Morrel. “This is a free country, ain’t it? I don’t want no crook representin’ me, so ain’t I got a right to say so? And if the chump wants to kick through with a couple of grand, that’s his business, mister—and mine. See?”

Fordney bulleted the question. “Who is your accomplice, Morrel?”

“Nobody. I’m doin’ this strictly solo, mister.”

“That,” said the Professor, “is a lie! You wrote those notes, yes, but you copied them. Who wrote the originals?”

Why did Fordney believe Morrel had an accomplice? Turn page for solution.