"It was a plot, then, to rob and murder some one else?"
"No, it wasn't, and I didn't have anything to do with the plot. Matthew hired me to——"
"Matthew who?" interrupted Jacob, whose anger was giving place, to some extent, to his interest in the affair.
"Matthew De Vere."
"Matthew De Vere!" exclaimed Mr. Simmons, with intense surprise, giving vent to a low whistle. "His father rich, proud, a banker," continued the wily Jacob, easing his grasp upon the throat of Tim. "And he, Matthew De Vere, is the villain who raised his club to hit me on the head—to murder me, perhaps?"
Young Short caught at the idea of freeing himself by implicating Matthew, so he replied:
"Yes, he was the fellow, but when he saw his mistake he dusted out, for it wasn't you he wanted."
"Of course you would plead innocent—all outlaws do—and try to throw the blame on some one else; but you can't get away now. I shall have you arrested and locked up for an attempt at robbery and murder."
"Oh, don't—don't!" pleaded Tim, with tears and bitter anguish.
"Come along. I'll have to put you in safe keeping, where you will not get a chance to try this game of murder again right away."