"Well, sir," interrupted John Harmon, in his declamatory way—"isn't it plain? isn't it perfectly clear? Haven't we the rights of the case, sir?"
"It is not quite so plain—not quite so clear—nor is it easy to determine who has the rights of the case," returned the official. "The most troublesome point at the present time, seems to be this: while, according to the documents, a majority of the citizens of Harrowfork seem to be eager for a removal, both the late member of Congress, and the newly elected one, have written private letters here—I mention this confidentially—in favor of the present incumbent."
"You don't mean Ames?" cried John Harmon. "Ames hasn't come out for Blake?"
"There is a letter on file, over his own signature, in which he represents that Blake is as suitable a man as could be named, and that he had better be continued in office."
The Assistant spoke with seriousness and candor. John Harmon was thunderstruck.
"Just give me a look at that letter!" said he, through his closed teeth. "I want to see it over Ames' own fist, before I believe it! When we promised our support for his election, he agreed to carry out our wishes in regard to the post-office, at all hazards! If he has dared to turn traitor!" muttered John Harmon, revengefully.
"The letter is entirely of a private nature," said the Assistant, "but it is contrary to our wishes to keep any communications secret, that are designed to influence our public acts; and owing to the peculiar circumstances of the case, I am willing to show you the letter,—on condition, however, that its contents shall not be divulged outside the Department."
John Harmon, burning to seize upon the evidence of Ames' treachery, assented, although reluctantly; and the official explored the wilderness of papers, for the document in question. "Here it is," said he, "no!"—glancing at the endorsement—"this is a communication with regard to a letter of your own, containing a twenty dollar note, which Blake is charged with purloining. How is it about that? anything new?"
"Well,—no,—hem!" coughed John Harmon. After discovering the proof of Blake's innocence, in the Dead Letter Office, he rather hoped the subject would not be mentioned; but he was too much absorbed in looking after Ames' honesty, to take very good care of his own. "The matter—hem!" (John's throat was quite musty)—"stands about as it did."
"You have no positive proof of the charge, then?"