Wheeler. Mrs. Thornton, that note is supposed to be written by me. In it I am made to state the hour I was to commit the robbery, and the place where I would hide the diamonds, so that my confederate could find them. Now, do you think if I planned the affair and had an accomplice, I would be likely to write him a tell-tale note, and allow it to fall into an interested party's hands to be used against me?
Pete. Did yo' eber hear de like?
Mrs. T. Well, hardly, but how do you account for the note explaining where the diamonds were hidden?
Wheeler. That's plain enough to me. There stands the man (looking at Graef) who took the diamonds; there stands the man who returned them, and there is the man who wrote that note and trumped up this charge to shield himself at my expense.
Graef. You infamous scoundrel! (advances upon Wheeler)
Pete. (excitedly) Pin him, Massa George. I'd nebber stand dat, suah!
Mrs. T. (looks reproachfully at Graef) Can it be possible!
Graef. Aunt, for heaven's sake, believe not that black-hearted villain. In one moment I'll convince you of his guilt beyond question. This morning, Davis the pawnbroker, came to my room of his own free will, and told me that that man (pointing to Wheeler) was the one who left one of your jewels at his shop, and that he was to pay Davis three hundred dollars to keep that fact a secret. Is that sufficient for you?
Pete. (aside) Ob his own free will, did he? I guess I skeered ole Davis nigh about to deff. I tole him we knew who gave him dat diamond an' I was on my way to git an officer to 'rest him as a 'complice.
Wheeler. The lying scoundrel! I'll get even with him for that, and with you (to Graef) and you, (to Mrs. T.) and with all of you.