The Secret Toll

"The Secret Toll" by Paul Thorne and Mabel Thorne is a crime fiction novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows Robert Forrester, a young civil engineer who, after returning from military service, finds himself targeted by a mysterious criminal gang called the "Friends of the Poor," which extorts money from wealthy citizens under the threat of death. The plot thickens as Forrester refuses to comply with their demands, becoming embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. At the start of the tale, Forrester discusses the gang's activities with a friend in an exclusive Chicago club, revealing his disbelief in their power over the police. He receives a chilling letter demanding a large sum of money under threat of death, which brings the case of George Nevins, a recent victim, perilously close to home. The opening chapters set the stage for Forrester's resolve to confront this menace, leading him to involve the police and a private detective while also emphasizing the escalating threat posed by the gang, who have left previous victims dead. Forrester’s determination to act against the shadowy figures behind the extortion promises a gripping conflict as the story unfolds.