"Boss, do you mean to tell me you knew all along?" demanded Montgomery
incredulously.

"Yes."

"But what about North?"

"That's his lookout, let him clear himself."

Joe, shambling and shuffling, took a turn about the room.

"Boss, if it was me that stood in his boots the halter would be as good
as about my neck; they wouldn't give me no chance to clear myself,--they
wouldn't let me! Them smart lawyers would twist and turn everything I
said so that God A'mighty wouldn't know His own truth!"

"Well, you were in that alley, Joe; if you feel for him, I expect we
could somehow shift it to you!" said Gilmore.

The handy-man slouched to the hearth again.

"None of that, boss!" he cried. "I've told you what took me there, so
none of that!"

His voice shook with suppressed feeling, as he stood there scowling down
on the gambler.

"Sit down, Joe!" said Mr. Gilmore, unruffled.

Reluctantly the handy-man sank into the chair indicated.