"Yes, if you call it a threat," answered Fred.
"Mr. Rexford's testimony does not agree with yours upon this point," said the judge. "Was there no statement about any special subject which Mr. Rexford considered false?"
"There was a reference to one or two matters," replied our young hero evasively.
The merchant now looked pale and wretched. His crooked business methods were about to be made known, and such a disclosure, coming right upon the loss of his store, was crushing to him.
"You will please state one of them," said the judge.
"I would prefer not to," said Fred.
"Why do you hesitate?" asked his honor.
"Because I do not wish to reveal matters about my employer's business that should be considered confidential."
"It is honorable in you to be so considerate of your former employer, and especially as he is now trying to establish a case against you. As you are only a boy, I consider it but right that I should advise you to show, if you can, that you did not threaten to make a false statement regarding his business. Such proof would aid your case and show well for your character."
Fred hesitated, thinking what he ought to do. Mr. Rexford took advantage of the pause, and asked if he would be allowed to speak a word upon this point before it was carried further. As no objection was raised by the defense, he said: