"What was his connection with it, then?"
"He threatened to have us arrested if we didn't pay him three hundred dollars."
Tim here explained why Simmons demanded the money—told how Matthew came to the saloon for him, how they lay in wait for Fred, and the mistake they made in supposing Jacob Simmons to be the latter.
"And he demanded this three hundred dollars as a reward for secrecy?" asked the judge.
"Yes, sir," replied Tim.
Jacob Simmons' face was scarlet. Every one looked at him contemptuously, while he had to endure the cutting glances without a shield.
Right here Mr. Ham read the paper that Nellie Dutton had found, as evidence to substantiate Tim's statement.
"Why did Matthew De Vere wish to waylay Fred Worthington?" asked Judge Plummer thoughtfully, as if to get at the bottom of the facts.
"He said he wanted to get square with him."
"Is that all?"