“We are all of the same way of thinking,” answered Williams, with a sneer. “I consider it liberal to give you a handsome young woman with a full purse; though no one can say how, or by whom, it has been filled. By the way, Mr. Dunscomb, I am instructed to make a proposal to you; and as Timms is in the court, this may be as good a moment as another to present it for consideration. My offer is from the nephew, next of kin, and sole heir of the late Peter Goodwin; by whom, as you probably know, I am retained. This gentleman is well assured that his deceased relatives had a large sum in gold by them, at the time of the murders——”
“No verdict has yet shown that there has been any murders at all,” interrupted Timms.
“We have the verdict of the inquest, begging your pardon, brother Timms—that is something, surely; though not enough, quite likely, to convince your mind. But, to proceed with my proposition:—My client is well assured that such a secret fund existed. He also knows that your client, gentlemen, is flush of money, and money in gold coins that correspond with many pieces that have been seen by different individuals in the possession of our aunt——”
“Ay, eagles and half-eagles,” interrupted Timms—“a resemblance that comes from the stamp of the mint.”
“Go on with your proposition, Mr. Williams”—said Dunscomb.
“We offer to withdraw all our extra counsel, myself included, and to leave the case altogether with the State, which is very much the same thing as an acquittal; provided you will return to us five thousand dollars in this gold coin. Not pay, for that might be compounding a felony; but return.”
“There could be no compounding a felony, if the indictment be not quashed, but traversed,” said the senior counsel for the defence.
“Very true; but we prefer the word ‘return.’ That leaves everything clear, and will enable us to face the county. Our object is to get our rights—let the State take care of its justice for itself.”
“You can hardly expect that such a proposition should be accepted, Williams?”
“I am not so sure of that, Timms; life is sweeter than money even. I should like to hear the answer of your associate, however. You, I can see, have no intention of lessening the marriage portion, if it can be helped.”