“Why don't you produce them before the Senate?”
“It was too late,” explained Stott, handing them to the financier. “I received them only two days ago. But if you come forward and declare—”
Ryder made an effort to control himself.
“I'll do nothing of the kind. I refuse to move in the matter. That is final. And now, sir,” he added, raising his voice and pointing to the letters, “I wish to know how comes it that you had in your possession private correspondence addressed to me?”
“That I cannot answer,” replied Stott promptly.
“From whom did you receive these letters?” demanded Ryder.
Stott was dumb, while Shirley clutched at her chair as if she would fall. The financier repeated the question.
“I must decline to answer,” replied Stott finally.
Shirley left her place and came slowly forward. Addressing Ryder, she said:
“I wish to make a statement.”