This display of feeling restored Mr. Ferris to himself.
"In a moment, sir," said he. "Meanwhile, have you any objections to answering a few questions I would like to put to you?"
"I will hear them," was the steady reply.
"You know," said the District Attorney, "you are at perfect liberty to answer or not, as you see fit. I have no desire to entrap you into any acknowledgments you may hereafter regret."
"Speak," was the sole response he received.
"Well, sir," said Mr. Ferris, "are you willing to tell me where you were when you first heard of the assault which had been made upon your aunt?"
"I was in my place at the mill."
"And—pardon me if I go too far—were you also there the morning she was murdered?"
"No, sir."
"Mr. Mansell, if you could tell us where you were at that time, it would be of great benefit to us, and possibly to yourself."