It must not be supposed that, because Austin replied so calmly to Major McShane, he was calm within. On the contrary, from the very first of the interview he had been in a state of extreme excitement, and the struggle to command his feelings was terrible; indeed, it was now so painfully expressed in his countenance, that O’Donahue said—
“Perhaps, Mr Austin, you will allow me to ring for a little water?”
“No, sir, thank you,” replied Austin, gasping for breath.
“Since you have admitted that Joseph Rushbrook is your son, Mr Austin,” continued McShane, “your own flesh and blood, may I inquire of you what you intend to do in his behalf? Do you intend to allow the law to take its course, and your son to be banished for life?”
“What can I do, gentlemen? He has been tried and condemned: of course if any exertion on my part can avail—but I fear that there is no chance of that.”
“Mr Austin, if he were guilty I should not have interfered; but, in my opinion, he is innocent; do you not think so?”
“I do not believe, sir, that he ever would have done such a deed; but that avails nothing, he is condemned.”
“I grant it, unless the real murderer of the pedlar could be brought forward.”
“Y–e–s,” replied Austin, trembling.
“Shall I denounce him, Mr Austin?”