"It can't be true," he cried, hoarsely.
"The officers of the law claim that it is true. But that is not the worst of it. They claim that the cargo was a bogus one, and that you are guilty of fraud. Foster, here——"
Mr. Canning did not continue. With a deep groan my uncle had sunk back into his office chair like one dead!
CHAPTER XXX.
AN UNEXPECTED DEATH.
I was alarmed when my uncle fell back in his chair as one dead. I knew that his heart was affected, and that any sudden shock might prove serious to him.
"What's the matter?" asked Mr. Canning, starting forward.
"The news has been too much for him," I replied.
"You've killed my father!" cried Gus, white with fear. "He's troubled with his heart, and what you have said has done him up."