"It is a lie!" interposed the squire, hoarsely.
"It is true. You hired me to put a five-hundred dollar bond into John Barton's pocket while you appropriated the remainder. It was this that enabled you to go into business for yourself in Lakeville. It was in this way that you got together your wealth."
Albert Marlowe was overwhelmed, and did not immediately reply.
"I think I remember you," said Robert Manning. "It was your testimony that weighed so heavily against Mr. Barton."
"And it has weighed heavily upon my conscience ever since. I have at last determined to tell the truth."
"What have you to say to this, Mr. Marlowe?" asked Manning pointedly.
"It is a lie," answered the squire, feebly.
"You are willing to have the matter go to trial?"
"Albert," put in Uncle Jacob, "it appears to me that you are in a bad box. Ralph Harding's testimony is sure to convict you. Will you take my advice?"
"What is it?" asked the squire, sullenly.