"Yes."
"Then I will tell you. Because I believe this note which I hold in my hand to be a base forgery."
Hall jumped to his feet in dismay.
"Do you mean to insult me?" he asked, with quivering lips.
"Sit down, Mr. Hall. It is best that this matter should be settled at once. I have made a charge, and it is only fair that I should substantiate it, or try to do so. Did you ever see this sheet of paper?"
So saying, he produced the crumpled half sheet which John found in the stove.
Mr. Hall turned pale.
"I don't know what you mean," he faltered; but there was a look upon his face which belied his words.
"I think you do know, Mr. Hall," said the lawyer. "You must be aware that forgery is a serious matter."