Mr. Pollock now drew Weir aside for a whispered conference. When they rejoined the others the engineer made the lawyer acquainted with the sheriff.
“Mr. Weir has agreed to my suggestion to take you into our confidence, Mr. Madden,” he stated. “There may be other warrants for you to serve soon, and I’m sure you will respect what we reveal. All of us here except you know the facts I’m about to relate; indeed, have shared in them to an extent; and in addition to our word we’ll present proof. You know Dr. Hosmer and his daughter certainly, you probably know Mr. Johnson and the young lady with him, and are aware whether their statements are to be relied on.”
“They are,” Madden answered, without hesitation.
“You’re already convinced of the truth of Weir’s innocence in the charge of murder now being preferred against him. Well, now, a friend at court is worth something; and we propose to make you that friend.”
“I’m not against him like most of the town, anyway,” was the sheriff’s answer.
“Go ahead with your explanation,” Pollock said to the engineer.
Thereupon Weir briefly sketched out events for the officer as they had occurred and as showing the motives which had inspired his enemies in seeking to destroy him:––the original plot against his father, his determination to uncover the four conspirators, the episode at the restaurant in Bowenville, the discovery of Ed Sorenson as the hirer of the dead Mexican assassin, the obtaining of Saurez’ deposition and Martinez’ imprisonment in Vorse’s saloon cellar, Janet’s abduction and rescue and the loss of the paper.
“But the paper isn’t lost,” Dr. Hosmer interrupted. “Mary Johnson found it and here it is.” With which he drew the crumpled document from his breast pocket and laid it on the table.
“You have it again!” Weir exclaimed. “You found it, Mary!” He stepped forward and took the girl’s hand in his for a moment. “You’re a friend indeed to bring this back to me.”