“He spoke of their tears.”

“They were here afterward, and—”

“Go on and tell what happened. I am astonished.”

“I have explained what he did. I do not see why, as he has violated the law, he should not be locked up as any other prisoner is.”

“A man is not guilty until proved so.”

“And I order this man to be turned loose. You have no authority to claim him as a prisoner. He has never been arrested, no warrant for him has been issued, and I do not believe him guilty.”

“I am in a position to prove his guilt.”

“I do not believe you, sir.”

“I shall ask Pearson to speak for himself.”

“You—Mr. Pearson I am speaking to—please tell the officials here what you told your wife and daughters.”