CHAPTER VII.


In returning to my boarding-house I was met by the blackleg pettifogger,
who treated me with great coldness. I met him again the next morning at
the prison, and he treated me in like manner. But I was especially
anxious to hear what more the colonel had to say, and hastened to his
room. He began his account where he had left off.

"This man, who was dressed in disguise, was greatly alarmed, lest
certain of his letters in the package should come to light, which had
not been retained. He started for home, as stated by his son, but
returned to secure his letters. You have witnessed the tremendous
excitement which exists, the running to and fro, and the many strange
visitors that frequent my room. There is a cause for all this which I
will now relate.

"My brother sent for those papers, which, upon arrival, were submitted
to his wife that she might select the most important to be produced as
testimony in court against Taylor. In accordance with directions, she
examined them all and laid aside all the business letters, (meaning the
package lost,) which in some way have been mislaid or stolen. These, you
are accused of having taken, and also of having taken a note that was
reached through the grate by my brother, as he supposed to his wife, but
it proved to be some other person, and they suspected you as that one.
They also charge you with giving information as to the man who gave you
five hundred dollars, and also that he used my name, saying at the same
time, 'If you will swear that money on Taylor I will make you a rich
man,' and that you concerted in this thing to act a deceitful part."