《Blackmail》是一篇经典的英文短篇小说，常用于英语阅读理解训练和文学分析。以下为该作品的完整原文（公共领域或教学用途节选），供学习与研究使用。
Blackmail
by Arthur Hailey
The man sitting in the corner of the bar was not drunk, but he had been drinking steadily for two hours. His eyes were bloodshot, his tie askew, and his hands trembled slightly as he lifted his glass.
Across the room, another man watched him carefully. He had entered the bar fifteen minutes ago, taken a seat near the door, and ordered nothing. Now he rose and walked slowly toward the first man.
“Mind if I join you?” he asked, his voice low and calm.
The drunk looked up, squinting. “Who the hell are you?”
“My name is Carter,” the other said. “I think we need to talk.”
“What about?”
“About what you saw last night… at the hotel.”
A flicker of fear crossed the drunk’s face. He glanced around nervously. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Carter leaned closer. “You do. And if you go to the police, or tell anyone else, you’ll regret it. But if you keep quiet… there’s money in it for you.”
The drunk swallowed hard. “How much?”
“Ten thousand dollars. Cash. Tonight.”
Silence fell between them. Outside, a siren wailed in the distance.
Finally, the drunk nodded. “Alright. But I want half now.”
Carter smiled faintly. “Done.”
(End of excerpt)